Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
Blog Article
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open shipped a Specific type of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it was a celebration of the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and native heroes in a supporter-pleasant, no-frills atmosphere.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As a substitute, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Beach front towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just ft absent. Organized with grassroots guidance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to some purer Model of the sport, exactly where Neighborhood, Competitiveness, and connection ended up the main target.
Over the Females’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re thought of Amongst the best on the planet. In the spectacular all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to earn the subsequent two. The choosing established came all the way down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 acquire in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant within their post-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former 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 effective, successful 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 four days of Engage in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that retained supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Sunshine-soaked days. The Match also provided a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of youthful gamers wanting to study, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes for being Component of An important volleyball party and a beneficial recruiting moment for faculty packages Sodo66 in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of target and laughter amongst teammates. These visuals, broadly shared on-line, aided showcase the attractiveness and intimacy from the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked discussion about its long term. Metropolis leaders are Checking out a product much like Manhattan Beach front, the place the municipality could consider a bigger job in internet hosting the Event yearly. There’s also A much bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated coaching web site to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was a lot more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and global broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.