The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open up shipped a Distinctive form of magic, Mixing environment-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease over the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to a purer Variation of the sport, where community, Opposition, and connection were the focus.
On the Gals’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re considered Amongst the most effective on the globe. Inside of a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set 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 article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global occasions.
The Adult males’s ultimate featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a scarce prospect for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting instant for college applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter between teammates. These visuals, widely shared online, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy from the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could get a larger job in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching web page to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Sodo66 Open up was additional than simply a tournament. It absolutely was a press release—proof that even within an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.