The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up sent a Particular kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt on the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and native heroes in a very fan-pleasant, no-frills setting.
The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Arranged with grassroots assist and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to your purer Model of the game, the place Local community, Level of competition, and relationship were being the main target.
Over the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re deemed Among the many most effective in the world. In a extraordinary all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back to win another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second of their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The Adult males’s ultimate featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also provided a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of young players desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball event as well as a precious recruiting instant for faculty programs in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence in the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the Sodo66 attractiveness and intimacy on the sport 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 world broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.