The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up sent a special kind of magic, blending entire world-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Group. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this year’s Event wasn’t merely a cease about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the Activity’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes within a fan-friendly, no-frills environment.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. Instead, spectators collected within the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to some purer version of the game, wherever community, Levels of competition, and link ended up the focus.
About the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re viewed as One of the most effective on the planet. Inside a remarkable all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to win another two. The determining set arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Gentlemen’s remaining highlighted A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach 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 much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination format that retained fans on their toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a scarce opportunity for youth athletes for being Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting moment for college applications in attendance.
A complete Photograph gallery captured the Sodo66 essence from the Event—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of aim and laughter between teammates. These photographs, extensively shared online, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to become a designated education web-site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was extra than simply a Event. It had been an announcement—proof that even in an era of massive contracts and international broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart however beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by community.