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 style of magic, blending planet-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Beach front Pier, this calendar year’s Event wasn’t simply a stop within the competitive circuit—it was a celebration from the sport’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and native heroes in a fan-welcoming, no-frills environment.
The party had no stadium seating or flashy enthusiast zones. Alternatively, spectators gathered around the courts, standing during the sand and sitting on beach towels since they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Organized with grassroots aid and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to the purer Edition of the sport, exactly where Group, competition, and link were being the main focus.
Over the Girls’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Absolutely everyone why they’re regarded as Among the many best on the earth. In a remarkable all-USC closing, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft prior to roaring again to win the next two. The selecting set came right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire within a thrilling finish. The victory marked a triumphant moment inside their submit-Olympic marketing campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the subsequent AVP and international situations.
The Adult men’s ultimate showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA forward turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Sodo66 Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved as well impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–fourteen and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts built them the unstoppable duo with the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, 130 teams competed inside of a double-elimination format that stored enthusiasts on their own toes and athletes grinding as a result of lengthy, Sunlight-soaked days. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in countless younger players wanting to study, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It absolutely was a scarce option for youth athletes to be A part of A significant volleyball occasion as well as a worthwhile recruiting second for college applications in attendance.
A full Image gallery captured the essence of your Match—from substantial-flying spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of emphasis and laughter amongst teammates. These pictures, widely shared on line, aided showcase the attractiveness and intimacy from the Activity in its most authentic placing.
With its achievement, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked conversation about its long run. Town leaders are exploring a model similar to Manhattan Seaside, wherever the municipality could take a larger part in internet hosting the Match per year. There’s also An even bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a specified teaching web page for the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up was extra than simply a Match. It was a statement—evidence that even in an period of massive contracts and world wide broadcasts, Seaside volleyball’s heart still beats strongest within the sand, surrounded by Group.