Canadian beach volleyball duo Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson are set to compete at the Montréal Elite16 event at Parc Jean-Drapeau from August 19-23. The pair, coming off a victory in the 2025 edition where they claimed their first title together by defeating Germany’s Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann, are eager to defend their crown.
Humana-Paredes values the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, emphasizing the enthusiastic support from Montreal fans. She expressed pride in the increasing backing for women’s sports across Canada, noting the positive momentum that is gaining traction.
Looking ahead, their focus extends to the upcoming Olympic run in LA 2028. While preparations for the event have already commenced, Humana-Paredes stresses the importance of taking it one step at a time and not getting overwhelmed by the larger picture.
To refine their game for the future, the pair has revisited their foundational training methods and reunited with former coaches in Los Angeles. This approach has yielded positive results, with recent victories at the Saquarema Elite and the Elite16 event in Ostrava showcasing their progress.
As they continue their journey towards the Olympic Games, Humana-Paredes remains optimistic about the prospects of competing in LA, a place she considers a second home due to her extensive training in Los Angeles. The significance of participating in the Olympics aligns with her dedication to continuous improvement and growth in the sport.
With beach volleyball expected to be a highlight in Long Beach during the LA Olympics, Humana-Paredes anticipates a marquee moment for the sport. However, she is currently relishing the opportunity to compete in Montreal and engage with Canadian fans along the path leading to LA.