Melissa Humana-Paredes rarely has the opportunity to compete in beach volleyball on home turf, but when she does, Montréal proves to be a favorable location for her. Alongside Brandie Wilkerson, they are set to participate in the Montréal Elite16 at Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23, aiming to replicate their success from last year’s tournament.
Their victory in the 2025 event, where they triumphed over Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann in straight sets, marked their inaugural title as a pair. Thrilled by the chance to play in front of a home crowd, Humana-Paredes expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support shown by Montréal sports fans.
The growing support for women’s sports in Canada is another aspect that excites Humana-Paredes. She views the increasing fan attendance across various sports as a positive trend that she hopes will continue beyond her own career. Despite the focus on the present tournament in Montréal, the duo is already contemplating their upcoming Olympic campaign for LA 2028.
Preparations for the LA 2028 Olympics have commenced, with the qualification process beginning in 2027. Humana-Paredes emphasized the importance of staying focused on the present volleyball competitions leading up to the Olympics, rather than getting too caught up in future events.
Returning to familiar training grounds in Los Angeles has been a key strategy for the pair in 2026 as they gear up for the next Olympic Games. Their recent successes at the Saquarema Elite and Elite16 events in Ostrava have demonstrated their commitment to continuous improvement and building upon their previous achievements.
Looking ahead to the LA Olympics, which would mark her third Olympic training stint in Los Angeles, Humana-Paredes anticipates the event with a sense of familiarity and excitement. Her extensive training experience in Los Angeles has made the city a second home for her, adding sentimental value to the prospect of competing there.
As the sport of beach volleyball gains prominence, particularly in Southern California, with the upcoming Olympics expected to showcase the sport in Long Beach, Humana-Paredes believes it will be a marquee event. However, for now, she cherishes the opportunity to compete in Montréal and perform in front of her fellow Canadians, recognizing the significance of each step along the journey to LA.
