The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Exclusive type of magic, blending environment-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t only a halt on the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in a very supporter-welcoming, no-frills environment.

The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators collected round the courts, standing from the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the game, the place Local community, Competitors, and link ended up the main target.

Within the Women of all ages’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re thought of among the very best on this planet. In a very spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring again to acquire the following two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international events.

The men’s final showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at Sodo66 the net and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.

Throughout 4 times of play, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that stored fans on their toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of youthful gamers desperate to understand, compete, and share the sand with the execs. It absolutely was a scarce chance for youth athletes to become Element of An important volleyball party in addition to a important recruiting instant for school packages in attendance.

A full Picture gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of target and laughter among teammates. These images, commonly shared on the web, helped showcase the natural beauty and intimacy with the sport in its most reliable setting.

With its achievements, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its foreseeable future. Town leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Seaside, where by the municipality could get a bigger role in hosting the Match per year. There’s also An even bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified schooling website to the 2028 La Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was far more than simply a Match. It was a statement—proof that even within an period of huge contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.