Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open delivered a Distinctive type of magic, blending planet-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this year’s Event wasn’t merely a halt around the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration with the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes within a admirer-pleasant, no-frills setting.
The celebration had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered around the courts, standing in the sand and sitting down on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to your purer version of the sport, in which Group, Level of competition, and link were being the focus.
Over the Gals’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded as Among the many very best in the world. Within a extraordinary all-USC final, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring back to acquire the subsequent two. The determining established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 acquire in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second within their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Worldwide occasions.
The Males’s final showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too effective, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp Sodo66 instincts made them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a double-elimination format that retained followers on their toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Sunshine-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger players wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of a major volleyball occasion as well as a precious recruiting minute for school packages in attendance.
A complete photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of concentration and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, extensively shared on-line, served showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the sport in its most genuine location.
With its results, the Hermosa Seaside Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are Discovering a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, the place the municipality could consider a larger purpose in web hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to be a selected coaching internet site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open was much more than just a tournament. It was a statement—evidence that even within an era of big contracts and international broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart nonetheless beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.