Hermosa Beach Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Particular style of magic, blending earth-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event 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 function had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on Seaside towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where Group, Competitors, and connection were the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the earth. In the remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to win another two. The determining set arrived right 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 of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult men’s last showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts created them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, one hundred thirty groups competed within a double-elimination structure that kept enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding via very long, sun-soaked days. The Match also bundled a juniors division, which brought in countless youthful gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine environment.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design just like Manhattan Beach front, exactly where the municipality could just take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the Match per year. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified education web page for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was more than simply a Match. It Sodo66 was a press release—proof that even in an period of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.