Melissa Humana-Paredes has limited opportunities to compete in beach volleyball on home turf, but when the chance arises, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her. Returning to Parc Jean-Drapeau this week from Aug. 19-23 for the Montréal Elite16, Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson aim to replicate their success from last year’s tournament where they clinched the title. Their victory in the 2025 event over Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets marked their inaugural championship together.
Competing on home soil holds significant value for Humana-Paredes, who expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support of Montréal sports fans. She emphasized the importance of female athletes receiving increased backing across various sports in Canada, signaling a positive shift in momentum that she hopes will persist beyond her own career.
Looking ahead, while their focus is currently on Montréal, Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson are already setting their sights on the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. The duo is mindful of not getting too far ahead and is breaking down their Olympic preparations into manageable segments to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Reflecting on their journey in 2026, Humana-Paredes highlighted the significance of returning to their foundational roots in their training approach. Reuniting with their former coaching staff in Los Angeles has provided them with a familiar environment as they progress towards their Olympic aspirations.
Their recent successes, including a gold medal at the Elite16 event in Ostrava, Czechia, underscore their continuous growth in the sport. With their eyes set on further achievements, Humana-Paredes views each medal as a stepping stone towards improvement and establishing a strong foundation for future competitions.
As they navigate the path towards the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes acknowledges the special significance of potentially competing in a place like Los Angeles, which has been integral to her training journey. The prospect of participating in a home Olympics in a familiar setting adds to the excitement and motivation for the upcoming challenges.
In anticipation of beach volleyball’s prominence at the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a marquee moment for the sport, particularly in Southern California where the game holds a significant place in the community. While focusing on their Olympic aspirations, the opportunity to play in front of Canadian fans in Montréal serves as a meaningful stop along their journey to LA, highlighting the importance of cherishing each moment in their competitive career.