The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open shipped a Specific type of magic, Mixing environment-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a end on the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in a very lover-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. Rather, spectators gathered across the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting on Seashore 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 to some purer Edition of the game, exactly where Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and link had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re regarded as among the best in the world. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the primary set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to acquire the next two. The selecting set came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing 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 designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that held fans on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in hundreds of young players wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to generally be A part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter among teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy in the Activity in its most genuine location.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, where by the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a designated coaching site with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It was a press release—proof that even in an era of big contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s Sodo66 coronary heart however beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.
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