Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian turf. However, when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable location for her success. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the Montréal Elite16 event from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to build on their previous year’s victory.
Last year, the Canadian duo clinched the title by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in a decisive manner, winning the event for the first time together. Humana-Paredes expressed her appreciation for the chance to compete in front of a home crowd, emphasizing the enthusiastic support shown by Montréal fans, whom she regards as among the best sports enthusiasts she has encountered.
In addition to relishing the home support, Humana-Paredes is delighted by the increasing backing for women’s sports across Canada, noting the growing attendance and momentum in various sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball. She sees this trend as a significant development that she hopes will endure long after her own athletic career.
Looking ahead, while the focus is currently on Montréal, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. With Olympic qualification processes commencing in 2027, the pair is already laying the groundwork for their next major challenge.
Despite the anticipation for future events, Humana-Paredes acknowledges the importance of staying focused on the present and not getting ahead of themselves. Recognizing the considerable amount of volleyball to be played before the Los Angeles Olympics, the duo is segmenting their Olympic preparations into manageable phases to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
In preparation for 2026, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have revisited their foundational strategies by reconnecting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, creating a familiar and conducive environment for their training. The positive results have followed suit, with recent successes including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, marking their eighth podium finish and fourth gold medal on the Beach Pro Tour.
For Humana-Paredes, each achievement contributes to a larger goal of continuous improvement and growth. As they fine-tune their skills in 2026, she emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for the future, with their ultimate focus set on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The prospect of competing in Los Angeles holds special significance for Humana-Paredes, who considers the city a second home due to her extensive training there throughout her professional career. In light of her familiarity with the city and its beach volleyball culture, she anticipates a memorable experience should she qualify for the LA Olympics.
Furthermore, with beach volleyball set to be featured in Long Beach during the upcoming Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a marquee moment for the sport, particularly in Southern California, where the game holds a significant presence.
While the road to LA is long and challenging, playing in front of a Canadian audience in Montréal serves as a meaningful stop along the journey for Humana-Paredes, underscoring the importance of cherishing each opportunity to compete on home soil.