The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Exclusive type of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t only a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills setting.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. As an alternative, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, competition, and connection were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the earth. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring again to acquire the following two. The selecting established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Sodo66 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 very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a scarce option for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball event as well as a precious recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These visuals, greatly shared online, helped showcase the beauty and intimacy from the sport in its most reliable location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its potential. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could get a larger job in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a selected schooling web-site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Group.