Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball tournaments in her home country. However, when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her success. This week, from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and her partner, Brandie Wilkerson, will return to Parc Jean-Drapeau for the Montréal Elite16 event, aiming to build on their victory from last year. They clinched the title in 2025 by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, 21-15, 22-20, securing their first championship together.
Competing on home soil holds significant importance for Humana-Paredes. She appreciates the support from the Montréal crowd, describing them as some of the best sports fans she has encountered. The enthusiasm and backing for women’s sports in Canada are also on the rise, which she finds encouraging and believes will continue to grow.
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. The duo is mindful of not getting too ahead of themselves, acknowledging the need to break down their Olympic preparations into manageable steps. They have reconnected with their former coaches in Los Angeles, creating a familiar environment as they progress towards their Olympic aspirations.
Their recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, showcase their continuous improvement and commitment to reaching new heights in the sport. Humana-Paredes views each competition as an opportunity for growth and learning, emphasizing the importance of preparation and feedback in their journey.
The road to the 2026 Olympics involves honing their skills and staying focused on their ultimate goal of excelling at the LA Games. With a strong connection to Los Angeles, where she has trained extensively, Humana-Paredes feels a sense of familiarity and comfort that makes the prospect of competing there even more special. She envisions the LA Olympics as a marquee event for beach volleyball, particularly in a region like Southern California where the sport has a significant following.
While the journey to LA continues, playing in Montréal serves as a reminder for Humana-Paredes of the support and appreciation she receives from her fellow Canadians. Despite the rigorous demands of her career, competing in front of a home crowd is an experience she values and cherishes.