Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on home turf, but when she does, Montréal proves 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 partner Brandie Wilkerson aim to continue their winning streak from last year.
In the 2025 event, the Canadian duo clinched their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, with scores of 21-15, 22-20. Humana-Paredes expressed her appreciation for the chance to play in front of home fans, emphasizing Montréal’s passionate sports community.
Reflecting on the growing support for women’s sports in Canada, Humana-Paredes highlighted the positive momentum and expressed pride in being a female athlete. While focusing on the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics, she acknowledged the need to break down the Olympic cycle into manageable segments to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
In preparation for their next Olympic campaign, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have reunited with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, aiming to build on their recent successes. After securing a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, the pair continues their ascent on the Beach Pro Tour, following previous podium finishes and an Olympic silver medal in Paris.
Looking ahead to the LA 2028 Olympics, which holds personal significance for Humana-Paredes due to her training history in Los Angeles, she anticipates a competitive and rewarding experience. With beach volleyball set to be a marquee event in Long Beach, Southern California, she is confident in the region’s ability to deliver an exceptional competition.
While Montréal marks just one step on the journey towards LA, Humana-Paredes values the opportunity to compete in front of her fellow Canadians, recognizing the importance of cherishing each moment on her path to success.
