The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t simply a stop over the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes inside of a lover-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Alternatively, spectators gathered around the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Structured with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to the purer Edition of the sport, in which Group, Level of competition, and link were being the main focus.
On the Gals’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re deemed Among the many very best on this planet. In a remarkable all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to get the following two. The choosing set came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen win within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant second Sodo66 within their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and international occasions.
The Males’s last showcased another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net 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 kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of long, Sunlight-soaked days. The Event also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It absolutely was a scarce option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball celebration and also a worthwhile recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence with the Match—from large-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of emphasis and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, extensively shared on-line, served showcase the splendor and intimacy from the Activity in its most genuine location.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach front Open has sparked discussion about its long term. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model just like Manhattan Beach front, the place the municipality could take a larger purpose in web hosting the tournament every year. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified schooling website to the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was additional than simply a Match. It had been a statement—proof that even in an era of massive contracts and global broadcasts, beach volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.