May 31, 2026: Canada’s Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson (both of Toronto, Ont.) won gold today after beating the Netherlands’ Katja Stam and Raisa Schoon in the final of the 2026 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour stop in Ostrava, Czech Republic

Canada controlled the match, winning 2-0 (21-16. 21-14), with efficient teamwork from the first serve aided by Wilkerson’s four blocking points coming in the second set.

Earlier today, the Canadian team defeated Joana Mäder and Leona Kernen of Switzerland 2-1 in the semi – again Brandie with big blocks producing seven points (compared with three for Mäder).

"We finally won in Ostrava!! It's our favourite tournament on tour. We had a bronze and a silver coming into this so we knew we wanted gold to finish the trifecta," said Humana-Paredes. "Playing in Ostrava is always incredible because the crowd makes every game so special. They truly appreciate beach volleyball and we feel so loved."

On Saturday, the Canadian Olympic silver medalists earned a 2-0 (21-17, 23-21) win over the 2025 World Champions from Latvia - Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova - in the quarterfinals.

Canada did drop a match in pool play to Quiggle/Loreen of USA but won their pool despite this one loss.

"We were pushed all tournament by incredible athletes the entire week," Wilkerson told VBTV post-match. "Our team has been preparing, working hard and it’s years in the making. It’s also a lot of communication, finding things out and being gritty. And we wanted it; we really wanted gold in Ostrava this time."

In their only other Elite Tour appearance this year, the Canadians reached the podium with a silver medal in Saquarema, Brazil. They have reached the podium before at this Czech Beach Pro tournament, but this is their first Ostrava gold as a team.

Humana-Paredes said: “We put in some great teamwork this week, the team behind the team executed at a high level so we could do our thing on the court. We’re so pleased with how the 2026 season is starting!”

Sweden’s Åhman/Hellvig won the men’s gold over local favourites Perusic/Sedlak.

NORCECA Beach Update

Canada’s Darby Dunn and Alison McKay (number 1 seed) and the men's team of Rouzbeh Rahnavard and Robert Kemp are in the medal playoffs today at the NORCECA Beach tournament in El Salvador.

This tournament is ongoing – follow the results here www.norceca.net

Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
1.613.794.7676