The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Unique form of magic, Mixing globe-course athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in a very fan-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered Amongst the finest on the globe. Inside of a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 groups competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand Along with the pros. It was a unusual prospect Sodo66 for youth athletes to be Element of An important volleyball occasion plus a precious recruiting instant for college applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter between teammates. These visuals, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked dialogue about its potential. Metropolis leaders are Checking out a model similar to Manhattan Seaside, the place the municipality could take a bigger purpose in web hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a selected schooling web-site for that 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was a lot more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.