The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a quit about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.

The function had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where by Group, Competitors, and connection were the focus.

On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest 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 twenty–eighteen get inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.

The Adult men’s ultimate 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 effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.

Across 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure 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 desirous to master, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get part of a major volleyball occasion plus Sodo66 a important recruiting moment for college applications in attendance.

A complete 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, helped showcase the elegance and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.

With its success, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Seashore, wherever 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 itself to be a designated training site with the 2028 La Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.