The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Unique style of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease to the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes inside a admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The event had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As a substitute, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Edition of the sport, where by community, Competitiveness, and link have been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the most effective in the world. Inside of a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right 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–eighteen acquire 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 men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of younger gamers desperate to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be A part of A significant volleyball celebration and a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of focus and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering a model similar to Sodo66 Manhattan Beach front, where by the municipality could choose a bigger part in hosting the Event on a yearly basis. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.