The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a Unique form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a stop within the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes within a enthusiast-friendly, no-frills atmosphere.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels because 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 Edition of the game, in which Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link have been the main focus.
Within the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re deemed among the best in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to acquire the next two. The selecting set came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult men’s ultimate showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of young players wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school applications in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These visuals, greatly shared online, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of 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 just like 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: Sodo66 Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become 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.