Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. However, when she does, the setting in Montréal proves to be quite favorable for her. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the Montréal Elite16 event from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to replicate their success from last year’s tournament.
In the previous edition, 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 in the 2025 event. Humana-Paredes expressed her appreciation for the rare opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd, emphasizing the enthusiastic support shown by Montréal fans.
Reflecting on the increasing backing for women’s sports across Canada, Humana-Paredes highlighted the positive momentum and growing fan base in various sports, underscoring the pride she feels as a female athlete. Looking ahead, the duo is also focused on their upcoming Olympic campaign towards LA 2028, with preparations already underway for the Olympic qualification process starting in 2027.
While the pair has their sights set on future competitions, they are mindful of staying present and not being overwhelmed by upcoming events. Humana-Paredes stressed the importance of breaking down their Olympic journey into manageable steps to maintain focus and avoid feeling inundated by the process.
In their preparations for 2026, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have returned to familiar coaching staff in Los Angeles, establishing a supportive environment as they progress towards their next Olympic challenge. This approach has yielded positive results, with recent victories at the Saquarema Elite and Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, adding to their impressive podium finishes in recent years.
The journey towards LA 2028 signifies a significant milestone for Humana-Paredes, who has trained extensively in Los Angeles, making the upcoming Olympics a particularly poignant event for her. With beach volleyball expected to be a marquee sport in Long Beach during the LA Olympics, the anticipation for the event is high, especially given Southern California’s strong affinity for the sport.
As she navigates her career away from home, the opportunity to compete in Montréal holds special significance for Humana-Paredes, serving as a meaningful stop on her path to LA. The event not only allows her to showcase her talent in front of Canadian supporters but also reinforces the importance of cherishing each moment in her sporting journey.
