Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil, but 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 continue their winning streak from last year.
The Canadian duo claimed victory in the 2025 event by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets with scores of 21-15 and 22-20, securing their first title together. Humana-Paredes expressed her gratitude for the chance to compete in front of home fans, emphasizing the enthusiastic support shown by the Montréal crowd.
Recognizing the increasing support for women’s sports nationwide, Humana-Paredes highlighted the positive momentum building across various sports in Canada. Looking ahead to their next Olympic campaign in LA 2028, the pair is already preparing for the upcoming qualifications in 2027.
Amid their focus on future competitions, Humana-Paredes stressed the importance of staying grounded in the present and taking each step of their journey towards LA 2028 one at a time. The duo has been reconnecting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, creating a familiar environment to support their progress towards future goals.
Following recent successes at the Saquarema Elite and Ostrava Elite16 events, where they secured silver and gold medals, respectively, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are determined to continue their upward trajectory. Their achievements, including an Olympic silver medal in Paris, serve as stepping stones towards their ultimate goal of success in LA 2028.
As they fine-tune their skills and focus on their roots in 2026, Humana-Paredes acknowledges the significance of returning to Los Angeles for another Olympic cycle. With a strong connection to the city through training and competition, she views LA as a second home and looks forward to the prospect of competing there once again.
Beach volleyball’s prominence in Southern California, particularly in locales like Hermosa Beach and Long Beach, sets the stage for a marquee event at the upcoming Olympics. While the anticipation for LA 2028 builds, Humana-Paredes cherishes the opportunity to showcase her talents in front of Canadian fans, appreciating each moment spent competing on home turf in Montréal.