As the Olympics wrap up today, we can’t help but feel a surge of pride and excitement as we celebrate one of our own boardballer—Melissa Humana-Paredes, who’s just made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games! Melissa brought home a silver medal in women’s beach volleyball, marking Canada’s first-ever medal in this sport. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re over the moon to celebrate her team's success.
We met Melissa back in 2020, right in the thick of the pandemic. We were reaching out to pro volleyball players, hoping to find someone interested in trying something new and different. That’s when we crossed paths with THE Mel-HP, and from our very first meeting, we knew there was something special about her.
Melissa’s love for the game was clear from the get-go. While many people assumed she’d be a natural at Spikeball, she found it surprisingly tough with a small ball. But when she tried Boardball, it was like everything clicked. Her volleyball skills translated perfectly, and Boardball quickly became her go-to backyard game. When she came out to one of our tournaments in Toronto, she showed everyone just how fun and competitive Boardball can be.
Melissa’s journey from Tokyo to Paris has been nothing short of amazing. She’s not just an elite athlete; she’s a game-changer who’s shown us what it means to chase your dreams while having a blast along the way. Her silver medal win in Paris was absolutely badass, and we couldn’t be prouder of how she’s represented Canada on the world stage.
So, as the Paris Games come to a close, we’re taking a moment to show some love for Melissa and her incredible journey and the inspiration she brings to all of us. Here’s to more history-making moments and unforgettable times ahead. Who knows? Maybe the next Olympic star is out there playing Boardball right now!
Keep playing, keep dreaming, and let’s keep pushing the game we love. ❤️🖤