Melissa Humana-Paredes doesn’t often have the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on home turf. However, when she does, Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal has proven to be a favorable venue for her success.
Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau this week for the Montreal Elite16 event from August 19-23, Humana-Paredes and her partner, Brandie Wilkerson, aim to build on their victory 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.
Competing at home holds significant importance for Humana-Paredes, who expressed her gratitude for the support from Montreal fans. She praised the enthusiasm and dedication of the local sports enthusiasts, emphasizing their impact on her performance.
In addition to the thrill of playing at home, Humana-Paredes highlighted the increasing support for women’s sports in Canada across various disciplines such as hockey, soccer, and basketball. She described the growing momentum as a significant development that she is proud to be a part of and hopes will endure beyond her own athletic career.
Looking ahead, while LA 2028 looms on the horizon, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already focusing on their preparations for the upcoming Olympic cycle. Despite the anticipation for future competitions, Humana-Paredes stressed the importance of staying grounded and not getting too far ahead of themselves.
In their 2026 campaign, the duo has returned to their roots by reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, fostering a familiar environment as they strive for success in future tournaments. Their recent achievements, including a gold medal at the Ostrava Elite16 event, reflect their steady progress towards their Olympic aspirations.
As they continue their journey towards LA 2028, Humana-Paredes emphasized the significance of consistent improvement and growth, viewing each competition and medal as part of a broader preparation process. The pair remains focused on refining their skills and strategies as they approach the pinnacle of their competitive journey.
For Humana-Paredes, the prospect of competing in an LA Olympics holds special significance, given her extensive training experience in Los Angeles. The city has become a second home for her, adding a personal touch to the excitement of potentially participating in the upcoming Games.
Reflecting on the popularity of beach volleyball in places like Hermosa Beach and Long Beach, where the sport is deeply ingrained in the community, Humana-Paredes anticipates that the sport will shine as a marquee event during the upcoming Olympic Games. As she continues her volleyball journey, playing in front of Canadian fans in Montreal serves as a poignant reminder of her roots and the support she receives throughout her career.
