Melissa Humana-Paredes doesn’t often have the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. When the chance does arise, 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 success from the previous year’s victory.
Their triumph in the 2025 event, where they secured their first title as a duo by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets (21-15, 22-20), holds a special place for Humana-Paredes. She expressed her appreciation for the enthusiastic support of the Montréal crowd, emphasizing the rarity of competing in front of home fans and the exceptional sports culture in the city.
Humana-Paredes also highlighted the growing backing for women’s sports across Canada, noting the increasing attendance and enthusiasm across various sports, which she believes signals the beginning of a significant movement. Looking ahead, while focusing on the upcoming Montréal event, the duo is already planning for their next Olympic campaign in LA 2028, with qualification processes commencing in 2027.
Despite the anticipation for future competitions, Humana-Paredes stressed the importance of staying grounded and concentrating on the present volleyball challenges before looking too far ahead. The pair’s recent success at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, following a silver medal in Saquarema, demonstrates their continuous progress and dedication to refining their skills as they prepare for future competitions.
As they aim to excel in the upcoming Olympic Games, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have returned to their foundational training strategies, reuniting with their former coaches in Los Angeles. Reflecting on their journey and achievements, Humana-Paredes views each medal as a stepping stone towards improvement and establishing a strong base for future success.
Looking towards the LA Olympics, which holds personal significance for Humana-Paredes due to her past training experiences in Los Angeles, she anticipates a meaningful return to familiar grounds. With a deep connection to the sport in Southern California, she believes that beach volleyball in Long Beach will be a standout event, showcasing the region’s passion for the sport.
While the road to LA 2028 presents numerous challenges and opportunities, playing in front of Canadian fans in Montréal serves as a cherished experience for Humana-Paredes, underscoring the value of competing in her home country amidst a demanding international schedule.