The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes in the supporter-welcoming, no-frills surroundings.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered across the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Organized with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where community, Competitors, and connection were the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of 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 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 Sodo66 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 net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure 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 wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a valuable recruiting second for college packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its future. Town leaders are Discovering a design much like Manhattan Beach, where by the municipality could choose a bigger position in hosting the tournament on a yearly basis. There’s also An even bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction web site for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even in an era of huge contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart nonetheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.