The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a special form of magic, blending planet-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 Match wasn’t merely a prevent within the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes inside of a fan-friendly, no-frills setting.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Model of the game, in which Neighborhood, Levels of competition, and link ended up the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re deemed One of the very best on the planet. Inside a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to 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 20–18 earn within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant Sodo66 within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental functions.
The Guys’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off from 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 on the weekend.
Throughout four times of Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved followers on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous youthful gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball event as well as a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared on line, served showcase the beauty and intimacy from the sport in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger role in web hosting the Match every year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated training web page for that 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Event. It was a press release—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.