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 Seaside Open delivered a special style of magic, blending entire world-course athleticism Along with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the beach volleyball Local community. Held September four–seven close to the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t simply a quit about the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration of your Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with growing stars and native heroes in a very lover-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The occasion had no stadium seating or flashy fan zones. As an alternative, spectators gathered across the courts, standing within the sand and sitting down on Seashore towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just feet absent. Arranged with grassroots assistance and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to your purer Edition of the sport, wherever Neighborhood, Competitors, and relationship had been the main target.
Within the Gals’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded Every person why they’re thought of among the greatest on the earth. In a remarkable all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the 1st established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring again to gain another two. The selecting established arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–18 win within a thrilling end. The victory marked a triumphant second inside their submit-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Intercontinental situations.
The men’s remaining showcased One more Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to experience off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too impressive, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at The web and Evans’ sharp instincts made them the unstoppable duo on the weekend.
Throughout four days of Participate in, a hundred thirty groups competed in a double-elimination format that saved supporters on their toes and athletes grinding via prolonged, Sunshine-soaked times. The Event also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in many young players eager to learn, compete, and share the sand with the pros. It absolutely was a scarce prospect for youth athletes for being Component of A serious volleyball function and a valuable recruiting instant for college programs in attendance.
An entire photo gallery captured the essence of your Match—from higher-traveling spikes and gritty digs to quiet times of target and laughter among teammates. These illustrations or photos, extensively shared on line, assisted showcase the beauty and intimacy on the Activity in its most authentic environment.
With its achievements, the Hermosa Beach Open has sparked conversation about its long term. City leaders are exploring a model similar to Manhattan Seaside, the place the municipality could choose a bigger function in hosting the tournament every year. There’s also A much bigger intention in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a selected coaching web site for your 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open up was far more than just a Event. It had been a statement—evidence that even in an period of huge contracts and world-wide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest while in the Sodo66 sand, surrounded by Neighborhood.