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 sent a Particular kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Local community. Held September 4–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s tournament wasn’t just a stop around the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration with the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes within a admirer-friendly, no-frills ecosystem.
The celebration experienced no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Arranged with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, wherever Local community, Competitors, and connection were the main target.
On the women’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re thought of Among the many finest on the earth. In a very remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen earn within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant minute within their post-Olympic Sodo66 marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and Intercontinental gatherings.
The Guys’s final highlighted An additional Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore 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, 21–14 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, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that stored lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of young players wanting to learn, compete, and share the sand Along with the execs. It was a uncommon prospect for youth athletes to generally be Portion of A serious volleyball party and a useful recruiting minute for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on line, served showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked discussion about its potential. City leaders are exploring a product 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 much bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified coaching site with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open up was additional than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence 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.