Hermosa Seaside Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Seaside Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up sent a Particular type of magic, blending earth-course athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Neighborhood. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this 12 months’s Match wasn’t only a end over the aggressive circuit—it was a celebration in the sport’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes in the enthusiast-friendly, no-frills surroundings.
The event experienced no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Rather, spectators gathered around the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned into a purer version of the sport, where by Group, Opposition, and connection ended up the focus.
To the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as Among the many best on the earth. In a dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back again to earn another two. The selecting established came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen gain within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment in their write-up-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international activities.
The Guys’s last featured another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too potent, profitable in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Across four times of Participate in, 130 groups competed in the double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through extended, Sunshine-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which introduced in many hundreds of youthful gamers desperate to master, contend, and share the sand Sodo66 with the execs. It absolutely was a exceptional option for youth athletes to be Portion of A significant volleyball occasion plus a precious recruiting minute for school programs in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful times of emphasis and laughter among teammates. These visuals, commonly shared on the web, helped showcase the magnificence and intimacy on the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its good results, the Hermosa Beach front Open has sparked discussion about its long term. Metropolis leaders are exploring a design comparable to Manhattan Beach, wherever the municipality could consider a bigger job in hosting the tournament per year. There’s also An even bigger objective in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a specified teaching site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was more than just a tournament. It absolutely was a press release—evidence that even within an period of huge contracts and international broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart however beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by community.