Melissa Humana-Paredes doesn’t often have the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. When she does, Montreal has proven to be a favorable location for her performance.
Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23 for the Montreal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to replicate their success from last year’s competition. The Canadian duo clinched the 2025 title by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, with scores of 21-15 and 22-20.
Competing at home holds significant importance for Humana-Paredes, who appreciates the enthusiastic support from Montreal fans. She acknowledges the growing backing for women’s sports across Canada, emphasizing the positive momentum that is propelling the industry forward.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the upcoming Olympic cycle, with LA 2028 on the horizon. Despite the anticipation for future events, Humana-Paredes stresses the importance of concentrating on the present and breaking down the Olympic journey into manageable steps.
In preparation for the 2026 season, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have returned to their foundational training methods, reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles. This approach has yielded positive outcomes, as evidenced by their recent victories on the Beach Pro Tour.
As they strive for continued success, the pair remains committed to constant improvement and growth, viewing each competition as an opportunity to refine their skills and establish a strong foundation for future endeavors.
The prospect of competing in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics holds special significance for Humana-Paredes, who considers the city a second home due to her extensive training experiences there. Excited about the potential marquee moment for beach volleyball at the upcoming Olympics, she remains focused on the current journey and cherishes the opportunity to showcase her talents in front of Canadian spectators during events like the Montreal Elite16.