The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and native heroes inside of a supporter-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 Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer Edition of the game, where community, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered among the most effective in the world. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring again to earn the following two. The deciding established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Intercontinental activities.
The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to Sodo66 encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in many youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion along with a useful recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These visuals, greatly shared online, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was additional than just a tournament. It absolutely was a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.