The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Specific type of magic, Mixing environment-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t merely a prevent within the aggressive 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 enthusiast-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected within the courts, standing in the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where community, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to earn the following two. The deciding established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 get 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 Global activities.
The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face 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 with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in numerous youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It Sodo66 had been a exceptional opportunity for youth athletes for being Section of An important volleyball event plus a worthwhile recruiting second 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 emphasis and laughter between teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared online, 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 get 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 far 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.