The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up shipped a Exclusive type of magic, blending earth-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a prevent on the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration with the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes inside of a lover-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. As an alternative, spectators collected within the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting down 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 Match returned to the purer Edition of the sport, exactly where Group, Level of competition, and connection were being the focus.
About the women’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded as One of the most effective on earth. In the extraordinary all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back to gain another two. The selecting set came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen acquire in the thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Global functions.
The Gentlemen’s ultimate featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Throughout four days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand Together with the execs. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball party along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty programs in attendance.
A full photo gallery captured the essence in the Sodo66 Match—from substantial-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could consider a bigger job in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger goal in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated training web page for that 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, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.