Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on Canadian soil. However, when she does, Montréal has proven to be a favorable location for her success. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to build on their victory from last year’s competition.
Their triumph in the 2025 event, where they clinched their first title as a duo by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets (21-15, 22-20), remains a memorable moment for the Canadian pair.
Playing in front of home spectators holds significant value for Humana-Paredes, who appreciates the enthusiastic support of the Montréal fans. She acknowledges the growing backing for women’s sports in Canada across various disciplines, including hockey, soccer, and basketball, foreseeing a promising future for female athletes.
Looking ahead, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic Games in LA 2028. While the event is still a couple of years away, the pair has already commenced their preparations, emphasizing the importance of taking the Olympic cycle step by step to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the competition.
In their pursuit of excellence, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson have returned to their foundational principles for the 2026 season. Reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles, they have secured notable achievements, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, marking their eighth podium finish and fourth gold medal on the Beach Pro Tour.
The continual progression of Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson, with previous accolades such as bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024, underscores their commitment to improvement and growth in their sport. Each medal earned serves as a building block towards their ultimate goal, emphasizing the significance of continuous development and learning.
As they gear up for the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a return to Los Angeles, a city that has become a familiar training ground throughout her career. The thriving beach volleyball culture in Hermosa Beach, where she trains regularly, further solidifies her connection to the sport and the community.
With beach volleyball set to take center stage in Long Beach during the upcoming Olympics, Humana-Paredes foresees a marquee moment for the sport, especially in California and Southern California, where it enjoys a strong following. Despite the anticipation of future events, she remains grateful for the present opportunity to compete in front of her fellow Canadians in Montréal, cherishing each moment on the path leading to LA.
