The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing world-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.

The occasion 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 main target.

On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Among the many ideal on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft ahead of roaring back to win another two. The determining set arrived down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 win inside of a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide situations.

The Gentlemen’s last showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front 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, profitable in straight sets, 21–fourteen 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 play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual prospect for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball celebration and a beneficial recruiting second for school packages in attendance.

A complete Picture gallery captured the essence with the Event—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of aim and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.

With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked discussion about its long run. Metropolis leaders are exploring Sodo66 a model comparable to Manhattan Beach front, 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 alone to become a designated training web page for that 2028 La Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Group.