The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up delivered a special form of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s Match wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in the lover-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered across the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer version of the game, where 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 extraordinary all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to win another two. The determining set arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous 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 potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across four times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball party and a Sodo66 useful recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the web, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger function in hosting the Event every year. There’s also A much bigger objective 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 a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of big contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Group.