The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up shipped a Exclusive kind of magic, blending planet-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a quit around the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration with the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in the admirer-friendly, no-frills environment.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Rather, spectators collected across the courts, standing in the sand and sitting on Beach front towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to some purer Model of the sport, the place Group, Levels of competition, and relationship were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re thought of Among the many ideal on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back again to win another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another 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 experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams Sodo66 competed in the double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by means of extensive, Sunlight-soaked days. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in many young players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a scarce chance for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a precious recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence in the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times 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 achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could get a larger job in web hosting the Match yearly. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected teaching web-site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.