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 endeavors. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the Montréal Elite16 event from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to build on their previous year’s victory. They clinched the title in 2025 by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, 21-15, 22-20, marking their inaugural championship as a duo.
Competing at home holds significant importance for Humana-Paredes, who expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic support from Montréal sports fans. She highlighted the rare opportunity to play in front of such a passionate audience, emphasizing the special bond between athletes and supporters.
Looking ahead, Humana-Paredes is optimistic about the increasing support for women’s sports across Canada, citing a positive trend in attendance across various disciplines. She views this as a promising momentum that she hopes will endure beyond her own career, inspiring future generations of female athletes.
While the focus is currently on Montréal, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. With the qualification process commencing in 2027, the duo is actively engaged in preparations for the prestigious event. Humana-Paredes recognizes the importance of staying grounded and taking the Olympic journey one step at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the monumental task ahead.
In their pursuit of excellence in 2026, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have returned to their roots, reuniting with former coaching staff to create a familiar and conducive training environment. This strategic approach has yielded positive results, with recent victories at the Saquarema Elite and Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, solidifying their position as podium contenders on the Beach Pro Tour.
The journey towards LA 2028 is a gradual process of refinement and focus for the pair, with each milestone contributing to their growth and development as athletes. Humana-Paredes values the preparation and feedback received from each competition, viewing every experience as a stepping stone towards achieving their ultimate goals.
As the prospect of the LA Olympics draws closer, Humana-Paredes anticipates a return to a place that holds special significance in her career – Los Angeles. Having trained extensively in the city, she views it as a second home and is eager to showcase her skills on familiar ground.
With beach volleyball set to take center stage in Long Beach during the Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a marquee moment for the sport, particularly in Southern California where the game enjoys immense popularity. However, for now, she relishes the opportunity to compete in front of her fellow Canadians in Montréal, a stop on her journey towards the pinnacle of beach volleyball competition.
