Hermosa Seaside Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Seaside Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open shipped a Specific kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. 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 environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected within the courts, standing within the sand and sitting on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Event returned to the purer Variation of the sport, wherever Group, competition, and relationship were being the main target.
To the Gals’s aspect, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded One of the greatest on earth. Within a dramatic all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the main established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft just before roaring back to gain the subsequent two. The choosing established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 gain in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant within their publish-Olympic 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 encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also powerful, successful in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved followers on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to be Portion of A serious volleyball party and a beneficial recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of focus and laughter among teammates. These pictures, extensively shared on the internet, assisted showcase the splendor and intimacy on the sport in its most authentic setting.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Beach Open up has sparked dialogue about its long run. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a model similar to Manhattan Beach front, wherever the municipality could acquire a larger part in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning Sodo66 itself to be a specified coaching site with the 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart however beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.