Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. However, when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable location for her performances. Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson are set to participate in the Montréal Elite16 event at Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23, aiming to build on their victory from last year.
In the 2025 event, the Canadian duo secured their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets with scores of 21-15, 22-20. Humana-Paredes expressed her appreciation for the chance to compete at home, emphasizing the enthusiastic support of Montréal sports fans, whom she considers among the best she has encountered.
The support for women’s sports across Canada is also a source of excitement for Humana-Paredes, who believes that the growing momentum will continue to flourish. Looking ahead to their next Olympic campaign, the pair is already focusing on the upcoming LA 2028 Games, with Olympic qualification commencing in 2027.
While planning for LA 2028 is underway, Humana-Paredes emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and taking the Olympic journey one step at a time. She and Wilkerson have been reconnecting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, creating a familiar environment as they progress towards their Olympic aspirations.
Their recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, mark significant milestones in their journey. With multiple podium finishes over the past few years and an Olympic silver medal from Paris, Humana-Paredes sees each achievement as part of a continuous growth process and preparation for future challenges.
As they gear up for the 2026 season, the duo is focused on refining their skills and strategies, with their sights set on peak performance as they approach the LA 2028 Olympics. For Humana-Paredes, returning to Los Angeles for the Games holds special significance, given her training history in the city and the familiarity it provides.
Reflecting on the sport’s prominence in Southern California, particularly in Long Beach where beach volleyball is deeply rooted, Humana-Paredes anticipates a marquee moment for the sport at the upcoming Olympics. Despite the future excitement, she values the present opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans in Montréal, recognizing the significance of each stop on her journey to LA.