Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. However, when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable location for her success. This week, from Aug. 19-23, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson will participate in the Montréal Elite16 at Parc Jean-Drapeau, aiming to build on their victory from last year.
Their triumph in 2025, where they clinched their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, 21-15, 22-20, has set the stage for their return to the upcoming event. The support from the Montréal crowd holds particular significance for Humana-Paredes, who appreciates the enthusiasm of the local sports fans.
Furthermore, she acknowledges the rising support for women’s sports across Canada, expressing pride in being a female athlete and witnessing the increasing fan engagement. Looking ahead, despite the focus on the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, Humana-Paredes emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and taking the Olympic journey step by step.
In preparation for the 2026 season, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have reunited with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles to create a familiar training environment. This approach has yielded positive results, with recent victories at the Saquarema Elite and Elite16 events showcasing their consistent progress and determination.
As they continue to hone their skills and focus on their Olympic aspirations, Humana-Paredes looks forward to potentially competing in the Los Angeles Olympics, a city she considers a second home due to her extensive training experiences there. With the beach volleyball event expected to be a highlight of the Games, she anticipates a memorable competition for both athletes and spectators alike.
While the journey to LA 2028 unfolds, Humana-Paredes remains grateful for the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans at the Montréal Elite16, emphasizing the significance of each moment in her career.