The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Specific kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a cease over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills setting.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators gathered across the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Edition of the game, in which Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Everybody why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to acquire the next two. The selecting set arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Guys’s final highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, successful in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding by means of very long, sun-soaked days. The Event also included a juniors division, which brought in many young players desirous to study, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare prospect for youth athletes to generally be A part of An important volleyball occasion plus a precious recruiting instant for college applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most genuine environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. Town leaders are Discovering 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 teaching internet site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open was much more than simply a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of Sodo66 massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.