Hermosa Beach front Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach front Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s tournament wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration from the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills setting.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered 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 community, 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 a very spectacular all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get 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 write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo in the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players desirous to master, contend, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes to get Element of a major volleyball occasion plus a important recruiting instant for school applications in attendance.
A full Photograph gallery captured the essence on the Match—from significant-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These Sodo66 images, widely shared on-line, helped showcase the attractiveness and intimacy in the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its success, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Seashore, the place the municipality could just take a larger function in web hosting the Event every year. There’s also a bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated training web page with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a press release—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart however beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by community.