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 Beach front Open shipped a Exclusive kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Neighborhood. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach Pier, this yr’s Event wasn’t simply a quit to the aggressive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration from the sport’s origins, that includes Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with soaring stars and local heroes inside a 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 ft away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer Edition of the game, exactly where community, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
Around the Ladies’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered Amongst the most effective on the globe. Inside of a spectacular all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the initial set to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft right before roaring back again to get the next two. The selecting set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant minute in their write-up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the next 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 encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Across four times of play, one hundred thirty groups competed inside a double-elimination structure that saved supporters on their own toes and athletes grinding through prolonged, Solar-soaked days. The Match also involved a juniors division, which introduced in numerous youthful gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a useful recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire Image gallery captured the essence of the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, aided showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of your Activity in its most genuine placing.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are Checking out a design much like Manhattan Seaside, exactly where the municipality could take Sodo66 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 teaching internet site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—proof that even within an era of massive contracts and world-wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.