The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Exclusive kind of magic, blending planet-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s Event wasn’t just a quit around the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration from the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes in a very lover-helpful, no-frills setting.
The occasion experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Alternatively, spectators gathered around the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Arranged with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, in which community, Competitors, and link had been the main target.
Around the Women of all ages’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re viewed as among the greatest in the world. In the extraordinary all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back to acquire the subsequent two. The determining established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win within a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second within their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Worldwide activities.
The Guys’s last featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too highly effective, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout four days of play, one hundred thirty groups competed in the double-elimination structure that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration in addition to a valuable recruiting instant for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence on the Match—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of target and laughter amongst teammates. These pictures, widely shared on line, aided showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a bigger role in hosting the Match on a yearly basis. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected coaching web-site Sodo66 with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even within an era of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Local community.