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 performances. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to build on their success from last year’s victory.
In the 2025 event, 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. Humana-Paredes expressed her appreciation for the chance to compete on home soil, highlighting the enthusiastic support from the Montréal sports fans.
Emphasizing the increasing support for women’s sports across Canada, Humana-Paredes sees a positive momentum that she believes will continue to grow. Looking ahead to their next Olympic campaign, the pair is already planning for LA 2028, with Olympic qualification set to commence in 2027.
Despite the focus on future events, Humana-Paredes acknowledges the importance of staying grounded and taking each competition one step at a time. The duo has been revisiting their roots in preparation for upcoming challenges, reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles to create a familiar training environment.
Following recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are determined to continue their upward trajectory. With their eyes set on LA 2028, Humana-Paredes aims to build a strong foundation for future achievements, highlighting the significance of ongoing growth and improvement in their sport.
As preparations for the LA Olympics progress, Humana-Paredes reflects on the special connection she has developed with Los Angeles throughout her career, making the prospect of competing there particularly meaningful. Anticipating a marquee moment for beach volleyball in Long Beach during the upcoming Olympics, she emphasizes the sport’s deep-rooted popularity in Southern California.
While Montréal serves as just one stop on their journey to LA, Humana-Paredes values the opportunity to showcase her skills in front of Canadian fans, recognizing the importance of cherishing each moment competing at home.