Melissa Humana-Paredes has limited opportunities to compete in beach volleyball in her home country. However, when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her success. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to build on their victory from last year. The Canadian duo clinched the 2025 title by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, 21-15, 22-20, marking their inaugural championship together.
Competing on home turf remains significant for Humana-Paredes, who appreciates the enthusiastic support from Montréal fans. She acknowledges the growing backing for women’s sports across Canada in various disciplines such as hockey, soccer, and basketball, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this positive momentum beyond her own athletic career.
Looking ahead, while focusing on the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already planning for their next Olympic campaign. Despite the event being a couple of years away, the qualification process starting in 2027 demands early preparation. Humana-Paredes stresses the need to stay grounded and take the Olympic journey one step at a time, understanding the significance of the smaller milestones leading up to the grand event in Los Angeles.
In preparation for 2026, the pair has reverted to their foundational training approach, reuniting with their former coaching team in Los Angeles to create a familiar environment that propels them forward. This strategic move has yielded positive outcomes, evident in their recent achievements at the Saquarema Elite and Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, where they secured their fourth gold medal on the Beach Pro Tour.
As they continue their journey towards LA 2028, an Olympics in Los Angeles would hold special significance for Humana-Paredes, who considers the city a second home due to her extensive training there. The prospect of competing in a familiar environment where beach volleyball is deeply appreciated adds to the anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games and the marquee status of the sport in Southern California.
While Montréal serves as just one stop on their road to LA, Humana-Paredes values the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian spectators, recognizing the importance of each step in her sporting career.