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 Seaside Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t simply a cease about the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of your Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes inside of a fan-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators collected across the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Structured with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer version of the game, where by Neighborhood, Competitors, and link were the focus.
To the women’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re regarded as Among the many most effective on this planet. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to gain the next two. The selecting established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen gain in a very thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their write-up-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult men’s ultimate featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that retained supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding as a result of extended, Solar-soaked times. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers desperate to discover, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It absolutely was a rare possibility for youth athletes being part of A significant volleyball occasion Sodo66 plus a precious recruiting instant for school packages in attendance.
A complete photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from high-traveling spikes and gritty digs to tranquil moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These pictures, widely shared online, aided showcase the splendor and intimacy in the Activity in its most genuine location.
With its results, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. City leaders are Discovering a design comparable to Manhattan Seaside, where by the municipality could just take a bigger function in internet hosting the Event annually. There’s also A much bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected coaching internet site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was much more than just a tournament. It was a statement—proof that even within an period of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart nevertheless beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.