The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Unique form of magic, Mixing entire world-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a end over the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration on the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and local heroes in a lover-helpful, no-frills surroundings.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered round the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Organized with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer version of the game, where by Neighborhood, Competitors, and link ended up the focus.
Around the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re viewed as Amongst the greatest on the globe. Inside a remarkable all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring back to win another two. The deciding established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire in the thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The Adult males’s closing featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too potent, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.
Across 4 times of Engage in, a hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination format that saved fans on their toes and athletes grinding by long, Sunlight-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in many youthful gamers desperate to learn, contend, and share the sand Together with the professionals. It was a uncommon opportunity for youth athletes to become A part of a major volleyball party and also a worthwhile recruiting moment for faculty packages in attendance.
A full Picture gallery captured the essence in the Event—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of aim and laughter amongst teammates. These images, broadly shared online, assisted showcase the beauty and intimacy with the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked discussion about its future. City leaders are exploring a model similar to Manhattan Seaside, the place the municipality could acquire a bigger job in web hosting the Event annually. There’s also An even bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified teaching site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was far more than just a tournament. It was a press release—proof that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded Sodo66 by Group.