Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball events on Canadian soil. However, when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her success. 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 victory from last year.
In the 2025 event, the Canadian duo secured their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, with a score of 21-15, 22-20. Humana-Paredes expressed her enthusiasm for competing at home, emphasizing the rareness of such opportunities and the incredible support from the Montréal fans.
The pair’s focus extends beyond the current event, with their sights already set on the upcoming Olympic games in LA 2028. Despite the anticipation for future competitions, Humana-Paredes emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and taking each step of their journey towards the Olympics one at a time.
In preparation for their future endeavors, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have reunited with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, creating a familiar and conducive environment for their training. Their recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, reflect their dedication and steady progress in the sport.
Looking ahead, Humana-Paredes envisions the LA Olympics as a significant milestone in her career, considering Los Angeles her second home due to extensive training periods there. She anticipates the upcoming games with excitement, acknowledging the strong beach volleyball culture in California and the anticipated marquee status of the sport at the event.
While Humana-Paredes looks forward to the future, she remains appreciative of the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans at the Montréal Elite16 event, recognizing the significance of each step on her journey towards the LA Olympics.