The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Specific type of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Event wasn’t simply a quit about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with mounting stars and native heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. In its place, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on Seashore towels since 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 version of the game, exactly where Local community, Levels of competition, and link have been the focus.
Around the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded Amongst the best on the earth. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to acquire the next two. The selecting established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant minute inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Sodo66 Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of prolonged, Solar-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many youthful players eager to learn, contend, and share the sand With all the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on line, served showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. Metropolis leaders are exploring a product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger function in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.