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Melissa Humana-Paredes

Melissa Humana-Paredes

Advocate. Athlete. World Champion. Melissa is a beach volleyball star and one of the best defenders in the world. From Toronto, Ontario, Melissa is one of the few Canadians to grow up playing beach volleyball. Now, Melissa uses her platform as an advocate for athletes everywhere. Melissa is a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes Commission and the Pan Am Athletes Commission and lends her voice to improve sport and the athlete experience around the world. Melissa is passionate about preserving the environment and as an Eco Athlete, has the goal to be carbon neutral throughout each season. She was the 2019 FIVB & AVP Defensive Player of the Year and 2018 & 2019 FIVB Best Setter. Additionally a 2019 World Champion and 2x Commonwealth Games Champion.

Hometown:
Toronto, ON

Favourite LOF style + colour:
Tough question! I wear the Pool Days Top *Party Waves the most. I also love LOF's Sport Silk collection and their Beach Linen. And their one-pieces are to die for.

What is your biggest goal related to sport?
Creating history for Canada in the sport of beach volleyball & leaving behind a legacy of excellence & joy.

What is your biggest personal goal?
This sport gives me a platform to speak on issues that I feel passionate about such as female empowerment, representation and sustainability. My  personal goal is to make sure I utilize the opportunity and feel proud of who I am off the court.

Melissa Humana-Paredes

Favourite place you've played?
Porec, Croatia.

You're leaving on Friday, where are you going?
A Greek island. Or Vancouver Island.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
Don't get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.

What is your guilty pleasure?
J.Lo romcoms. And Dulce de Leche Haagen Dasz.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?
I feel like every trend I grew up with is already back! I'm loving the flares. I don't think socks & sandals were ever a trend, but I wish they were. That's my jam.

What is your pregame hype song?
After the SuperBowl, anything by Rihanna now. I'm re-inspired - back in my university days "We Found Love" & "What's My Name" were our team's pump up songs. So I'm feeling nostalgic and will definitely bring those back in rotation.

What are your pregame rituals or superstitions?
I have a pretty solid sunscreen routine. Once I break out the sunscreen, it means it's close to game time. I also usually wear a braid, so as soon as I start braiding my hair I find it to be therapeutic and puts me in the zone. Plus, music is always in my ears. I also like to listen to a meditation and visualize the game.

Pasta or sushi? Pasta. Aisle or window? Window. Round trip or one way? One way. Sweet or savoury? Savoury. Carry on or checked bag? Carry on. Driver or passenger? Passenger. Sunset or sunrise? Sunset. Ocean or pool? Ocean. Introvert or extrovert? Introvert. Hotel or Airbnb? Airbnb.

Melissa Humana-Paredes