The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Unique form of magic, Mixing environment-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t simply a stop on the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration from the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes in a very supporter-helpful, no-frills ecosystem.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. In its place, spectators gathered around the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on Seashore towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Organized with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned into a purer Variation of the game, wherever Group, Level of competition, and connection have been the main target.
Around the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re thought of Amongst the most effective in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain another two. The choosing set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Gentlemen’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger Sodo66 and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers desirous to understand, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of A significant volleyball function and also a valuable recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
An entire photo gallery captured the essence from the Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter among teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could get a larger role in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated training web page with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.