The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up delivered a special form of magic, Mixing planet-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with climbing stars and native heroes inside of a fan-pleasant, no-frills natural environment.

The party had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Alternatively, spectators collected round the courts, standing during the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, wherever Group, Level of competition, and relationship were being the main target.

Over the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re viewed as Among the many ideal on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global activities.

The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside 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 as well impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.

Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 groups competed in a double-elimination format that retained followers on their own 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 younger gamers desperate to find out, contend, and share the sand While using the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of An important volleyball party along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.

A full photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of emphasis and laughter between teammates. These illustrations or photos, greatly shared online, helped showcase the beauty and intimacy from the sport 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 product comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take 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 specified coaching site with the 2028 La Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in Sodo66 an period of huge contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s heart still beats strongest during the sand, surrounded by Local community.