Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball tournaments on Canadian soil. However, when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable venue for her performances. This week, from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson are set to participate in the Montréal Elite16 event at Parc Jean-Drapeau, aiming to replicate their success from the previous year.
Their victory in the 2025 event, where they triumphed over Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in two straight sets, 21-15, 22-20, marked their inaugural title as a pair. Humana-Paredes expressed her enthusiasm for competing at home, emphasizing the immense support shown by Montréal fans, whom she regards as some of the most passionate sports enthusiasts she has encountered.
In addition to relishing the hometown support, Humana-Paredes appreciates the growing backing for women’s sports across Canada, citing increased attendance and enthusiasm across various sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball. She views this trend as a significant momentum that she hopes will persist beyond her athletic career.
Looking ahead, while Montréal is the current focus, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already contemplating their preparations for the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics. Despite the Games being two years away, the duo has initiated their planning for Olympic qualification, slated to commence in 2027. Humana-Paredes acknowledges the rapid pace at which time progresses and underscores the importance of staying focused on the present to navigate the journey effectively.
The pair’s recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, following a silver finish in Saquarema Elite, are indicative of their consistent podium performances over the years. Humana-Paredes considers each achievement as a stepping stone towards improvement and growth, emphasizing the significance of learning from every experience to lay a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
As they fine-tune their skills in preparation for the upcoming challenges, Humana-Paredes discusses the significance of returning to their roots in 2026, reconnecting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles to create a familiar environment conducive to their development. With a keen eye on the LA 2028 Olympics, Humana-Paredes remains focused on the incremental progress required to excel in the sport.
Anticipating the LA Olympics, which would mark her third Olympic training cycle in Los Angeles, Humana-Paredes expresses her attachment to the city, considering it a second home due to her extensive training stints there. She anticipates a memorable experience competing in the beach volleyball event at the Games, particularly in a region like Southern California, known for its deep-seated connection to the sport.
Amidst the anticipation of future competitions, Humana-Paredes cherishes the present opportunity to compete in front of her fellow Canadians in Montréal, recognizing the value of every moment on her journey towards the pinnacle of her sport.