Hermosa Beach Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open up Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Seaside Open sent a Specific kind of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September four–7 near the Hermosa Seaside Pier, this 12 months’s Event wasn’t just a end over the competitive circuit—it was a celebration on the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with rising stars and local heroes within a supporter-welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy supporter 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 away. Structured with grassroots support and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to a purer version of the sport, where Group, Competitors, and connection were the main target.
Over the Women of all ages’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 in advance of 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 of their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Worldwide events.
The Adult males’s ultimate featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to deal with off towards Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved much too strong, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts manufactured them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Engage in, a hundred thirty teams competed in a very double-elimination structure that stored admirers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of long, Sunlight-soaked times. The Event also integrated a juniors division, which brought in many hundreds of young players desirous to master, compete, and share the sand With all the professionals. It absolutely was a rare possibility for youth athletes being part of a major volleyball function and also a valuable recruiting moment for college plans in attendance.
A complete Picture gallery captured the essence on the Match—from superior-traveling spikes and gritty digs to silent times of concentration and laughter among the teammates. These images, widely shared on-line, assisted showcase the attractiveness and intimacy of the sport in its most genuine location.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked dialogue about its upcoming. City leaders are Checking out a design comparable to Manhattan Seaside, in which the municipality could get 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 web site for your 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was more than simply a tournament. It absolutely was an announcement—evidence that even in an period of big contracts and global broadcasts, Seashore volleyball’s heart continue to beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Sodo66 Neighborhood.