Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Particular form of magic, blending entire world-class athleticism Using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball community. Held September four–seven near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Match wasn’t simply a quit to the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration in the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in the enthusiast-friendly, no-frills environment.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. Rather, spectators collected throughout the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on beach towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned into a purer Variation of the sport, the place community, Opposition, and relationship had been the main target.
Around the Gals’s side, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded All people why they’re deemed Among the many very best on the earth. Inside of a extraordinary all-USC remaining, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring back to get the next two. The selecting established came down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–18 acquire in the thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment of their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global activities.
The men’s closing 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 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 the weekend.
Across 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination format that held admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by lengthy, Sunshine-soaked times. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which introduced in numerous youthful gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand Using the professionals. It absolutely was a rare chance for youth athletes being part of A significant volleyball function in addition to a valuable recruiting second for school packages in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence of your Event—from high-flying spikes and gritty Sodo66 digs to quiet moments of focus and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on the web, aided showcase the magnificence and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a product just like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could consider a bigger job in web hosting the Match each year. There’s also a bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to become a designated schooling web-site for that 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an period of big contracts and world broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest while in the sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.