The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open sent a Unique sort of magic, Mixing earth-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Local community. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a stop within the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration on the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes in a very lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators collected round the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Structured with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to the purer Edition of the game, where by Neighborhood, Levels of competition, and connection have been the main target.
Within the women’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re regarded Amongst the very best on the globe. Inside a remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to get the following two. The choosing set came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 get within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too potent, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, Solar-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of youthful gamers desperate to learn, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to become Component of A serious volleyball party along with a beneficial recruiting moment for faculty packages in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of concentration and laughter amid teammates. These images, greatly shared on the net, served showcase the splendor and intimacy from Sodo66 the Activity in its most reliable setting.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. Town leaders are Checking out a product comparable to Manhattan Beach front, where the municipality could consider a larger part in internet hosting the Match per year. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified education web-site for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was additional than simply a Match. It had been an announcement—proof that even within an period of huge contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.