The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Particular sort of magic, Mixing earth-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a stop on the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes in the supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered around the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the game, where community, Levels of competition, and link ended up the main focus.
About the Girls’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re deemed One of the very best on the earth. In a very extraordinary all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 acquire inside a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former 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 powerful, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed inside a double-elimination format that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a rare possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball celebration in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively Sodo66 shared on the web, aided showcase the splendor 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 Beach, where the municipality could take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected education internet site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart still beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.