Melissa Humana-Paredes has limited opportunities to compete in beach volleyball on home turf, but when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to replicate their success from last year’s event. They clinched victory in the 2025 tournament by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, with a score of 21-15, 22-20.
Competing at home holds significant importance for Humana-Paredes, who appreciates the rare chance to showcase her skills in front of Canadian fans. She values the support shown by Montréal sports enthusiasts, describing them as some of the best fans she has encountered.
Humana-Paredes also acknowledges the increasing backing for women’s sports in Canada, noting the rising attendance and enthusiasm across various sports such as hockey, soccer, and basketball. She sees this trend as a positive momentum that she hopes will endure beyond her own sporting career.
Looking ahead, while focusing on the present in Montréal, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have their sights set on the upcoming Olympic journey towards LA 2028. Despite the Games being two years away, the duo has already initiated their preparation for Olympic qualification, emphasizing the importance of taking the journey one step at a time.
In their pursuit of excellence in 2026, the pair has revisited their foundational training principles by reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles. This approach has yielded positive results, with recent victories including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, marking their fourth gold medal and eighth podium finish on the Beach Pro Tour.
For Humana-Paredes, each medal earned represents a stepping stone towards improvement and growth. She views every experience as a learning opportunity, aiming to constantly enhance her performance and establish a solid foundation for future success.
As preparations intensify for LA 2028, Humana-Paredes anticipates a special connection with the city, having trained extensively in Los Angeles throughout her career. The prospect of competing in an environment she considers a second home adds a meaningful dimension to her upcoming Olympic journey.
With beach volleyball expected to feature prominently in Long Beach during the Olympics, Humana-Paredes foresees a marquee event that will celebrate the sport’s popularity in Southern California. Despite the focus on future competitions, she cherishes the present opportunity to compete in Montréal and engage with her fellow Canadians, recognizing the significance of each moment along the road to LA.