Melissa Humana-Paredes doesn’t often have the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. However, when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her success.
Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau this week from August 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and her partner Brandie Wilkerson aim to build on their previous year’s victory. The Canadian duo secured the 2025 event title by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets (21-15, 22-20), marking their first championship together.
Humana-Paredes emphasized the significance of competing at home, expressing her appreciation for the enthusiastic support from Montréal fans. She highlighted the exceptional sports culture in Montréal, underscoring the motivation it provides to athletes performing in front of such passionate spectators.
Acknowledging the increasing backing for women’s sports across Canada, Humana-Paredes noted the positive momentum gaining traction in various sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball. She views this trend as a significant step forward in promoting and elevating female athletics, expressing pride in witnessing the growing support for women in sports.
Looking ahead, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic journey towards LA 2028. Despite the event being two years away, the pair has initiated their preparation, understanding the importance of early planning for Olympic qualification starting in 2027.
While maintaining a focus on the future, Humana-Paredes emphasized the importance of staying grounded in the present and taking each step of their Olympic journey with intention. She stressed the necessity of breaking down the Olympic cycle into manageable segments to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the upcoming competition.
In their pursuit of excellence in 2026, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have revisited their foundational training approaches, reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles to create a familiar and conducive environment for their training. This strategic move has yielded positive results, with the pair clinching notable victories at recent events, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia.
Reflecting on their journey, Humana-Paredes highlighted the importance of continual improvement and growth, emphasizing that every experience and achievement serves as a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal. As they refine their skills and preparation leading up to LA 2028, the duo strives to maximize their potential and performance on the global stage.
For Humana-Paredes, the prospect of competing in the LA Olympics holds special significance, considering her extensive training history in Los Angeles, which she now considers a second home. The familiarity and comfort of training in Los Angeles add a personal touch to her Olympic journey, underscoring the sentimental value attached to the upcoming competition.
As the excitement builds for the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a memorable experience, particularly in the sport of beach volleyball, which holds a significant place in Southern California’s vibrant sports culture. With a deep appreciation for the sport’s popularity and community engagement in Hermosa Beach, she looks forward to showcasing beach volleyball on a global stage, highlighting its marquee status in the upcoming Olympics.
While the road to LA 2028 presents many challenges and opportunities, Humana-Paredes remains grateful for the chance to compete in Montréal, emphasizing the importance of cherishing each moment on her journey towards achieving her Olympic aspirations.
