Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on home turf, but when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her success. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau from Aug. 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to continue their winning streak from last year’s event. In 2025, the Canadian duo clinched their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, with a score of 21-15, 22-20.
Competing in front of Canadian fans holds significant importance for Humana-Paredes, who expressed her appreciation for the enthusiastic support from the Montréal crowd. She highlighted the growing backing for women’s sports in Canada across various disciplines like hockey, soccer, and basketball, emphasizing the positive momentum that is steadily gaining traction.
Looking ahead, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic run in LA 2028, with preparations and Olympic qualification processes underway. While focusing on the future, Humana-Paredes acknowledges the importance of staying grounded and taking each step of the journey as it comes, avoiding the urge to rush ahead.
In their pursuit of excellence in 2026, the duo has revisited their training roots by reuniting with former coaching staff in Los Angeles, resulting in notable achievements such as winning gold at the Elite16 event in Ostrava. Their continuous podium success, including a silver medal at the Saquarema Elite and bronze in 2023, reflects their dedication to progress and constant improvement.
As they gear up for the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a return to a familiar training ground in Los Angeles, a place she considers a second home due to her extensive professional experience there. With beach volleyball expected to be a marquee event in Long Beach during the Olympics, she foresees a remarkable showcase for the sport, particularly in the vibrant beach volleyball community of Southern California.
While the road to LA 2028 presents numerous challenges and opportunities, competing in Montréal serves as a cherished moment for Humana-Paredes, allowing her to connect with her fellow Canadians in a sport she holds dear.