The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open sent a special kind of magic, Mixing environment-course athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s Match wasn’t only a cease within the aggressive circuit—it had been a celebration on the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes within a fan-welcoming, no-frills natural environment.

The function had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered within the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Edition of the sport, exactly where Local community, Opposition, and link were being the focus.

About the Women of all ages’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re viewed as Amongst the best on earth. In the spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get another two. The choosing established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen acquire within a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.

The Males’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seaside 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 far too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.

Across 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Match also included a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful Sodo66 gamers eager to master, compete, and share the sand Using the pros. It absolutely was a exceptional possibility for youth athletes to get Component of A serious volleyball function plus a worthwhile recruiting second for college programs in attendance.

An entire Photograph gallery captured the essence of the Event—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of concentrate and laughter among teammates. These visuals, commonly shared on the internet, helped showcase the natural beauty and intimacy on the sport in its most genuine setting.

With its results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked dialogue about its potential. Town leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, the place the municipality could choose a bigger part in internet hosting the Event yearly. There’s also A much bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected training website to the 2028 La Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was far more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even in an era of big contracts and international broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.