The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up delivered a Distinctive sort of magic, Mixing globe-course 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 tournament wasn’t merely a prevent around the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes inside of a fan-friendly, no-frills setting.

The party experienced no stadium seating or flashy lover zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered throughout the courts, standing from the sand and sitting down on Seaside towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet away. Organized with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the game, where community, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.

On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered Amongst the most effective on the globe. In a very spectacular all-USC ultimate, 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 determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen get in a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global occasions.

The men’s closing featured A further Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seaside volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to face off from Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved also impressive, 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 Participate in, one hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The tournament also involved a juniors division, which introduced in a huge selection of younger gamers desperate to find out, compete, and share the sand While using the pros. It was a unusual option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for school systems in attendance.

An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the Sodo66 tournament—from higher-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet moments of concentrate and laughter amongst teammates. These photos, broadly shared on-line, aided showcase the attractiveness and intimacy with the Activity in its most genuine environment.

With its accomplishment, the Hermosa Seaside Open has sparked conversation about its future. Town leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Beach, where the municipality could take a bigger purpose in internet hosting the tournament annually. There’s also An even bigger target in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a selected education web site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.

The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even within an era of massive contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart nonetheless beats strongest in the sand, surrounded by Local community.