The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open sent a Particular style of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Together with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Beach front volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t only a stop around the competitive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in a fan-friendly, no-frills surroundings.

The function had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Rather, spectators gathered around the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes away. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Model of the sport, in which Group, Levels of competition, and connection have been the main target.

To the Females’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as One of the most effective on this planet. In a remarkable all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to acquire the following two. The choosing set arrived all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent Sodo66 AVP and Worldwide gatherings.

The men’s remaining highlighted another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA ahead turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo of the weekend.

Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty groups competed in the double-elimination structure that held followers on their toes and athletes grinding through very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers eager to understand, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It was a scarce chance for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting instant for college applications in attendance.

A complete Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter amid teammates. These pictures, widely shared on line, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy from the Activity in its most authentic placing.

With its success, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked dialogue about its foreseeable future. Town leaders are Checking out a model much like Manhattan Seashore, where by the municipality could get a larger purpose in web hosting the Event yearly. There’s also a bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a designated instruction internet site for that 2028 L. a. Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was far more than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even in an period of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart continue to beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by community.