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 shipped a Exclusive sort of magic, Mixing globe-class athleticism With all the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seashore volleyball community. Held September 4–7 close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this year’s Match wasn’t merely a stop within the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration of the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in the admirer-helpful, no-frills environment.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy admirer zones. In its place, spectators collected around 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 a purer Variation of the sport, where by Group, Competitors, and connection were the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Anyone why they’re thought of Amongst the finest on the earth. In a very spectacular 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 twenty–18 gain in a very thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant instant inside their publish-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international situations.
The Gentlemen’s last showcased Yet another Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Beach front volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to confront off against Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved far too effective, 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 Sodo66 lovers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of extensive, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players wanting to master, compete, and share the sand Together with the execs. It absolutely was a uncommon possibility for youth athletes to get Component of A serious volleyball celebration and a useful recruiting second for school systems in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These illustrations or photos, commonly shared on line, served showcase the beauty and intimacy of the Activity in its most reliable location.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach front Open up has sparked discussion about its foreseeable future. Metropolis leaders are exploring a model comparable to Manhattan Seashore, wherever the municipality could just take a larger function in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger aim in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning itself to be a specified instruction website for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open was extra than just a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even within an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nevertheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Group.