ONEONTA, N.Y. - The college pathway can lead someone in endless directions, and for Oneonta women's basketball alum Cara Adams '17, it was no exception. Despite being undersized and having limited playing time in her first two seasons with the Red Dragons, Adams became Oneonta's third All-American in her senior season. Now, the Attleboro, Massachusetts, native will represent the United States on the All-Armed Forces team that competes in the 2026 Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Women's Military World Basketball Championship, held in Paris, France, from June 27 to July 5.

After graduating from Oneonta with a degree in dietetics, Adams enlisted in the United States Army in 2018 and attended the U.S. Army-Baylor master's program in nutrition, where she graduated in 2020. Adams now serves as an Army dietitian, helping Soldiers perform and train at their absolute best. "A typical day looks like being available starting at about 6 a.m. for Soldiers to get body composition assessments done before they conduct physical training," said Adams. "Then I may have a quick "turf talk" or class to give Soldiers before a 12-mile ruck march they are completing later in the week. Here, I will emphasize proper eating and hydration strategies to optimize performance."

The day keeps going for Adams, and she works with a variety of clients. "Next, I may be giving a class to our pregnant or post-partum Soldiers as it relates to eating during pregnancy," continued Adams. "Then, I will see a lot of Soldiers 1-on-1 for appointments regarding weight loss, muscle gain, or prepping for Ranger School, an advanced Army school, or selection. I will also see Soldiers who have experienced a TBI or concussion from an airborne operation as they navigate recovery."

Adams knew even after graduation she wanted to continue her playing career, but opportunities are limited, especially with a full schedule as an Army RD. Luckily for Adams and other former collegiate athletes, the U.S. Army offers the option to compete through the All-Army Sports organization. The process is intense and highly selective. "You submit your resume and are selected to compete in a 2-3 week "Trial Camp" to see if you can be 1 of 12 athletes across the Army to make the team, which in my case is the All-Army Women's Basketball team," stated Adams. "If you get selected to and make the team, you get about a week to practice with your teammates, and then we compete for a week at the All-Armed Forces tournament against the Navy, Air Force, and Marines."

The Marines hosted the tournament this year, and Adams, along with the All-Army Team, competed at Camp Pendleton in California in May. While Adams was an All-American, she played against some of the top basketball players in the U.S. Armed Forces. "The level of competition is typically pretty dang good," stated Adams. "A lot of these women are prior DI, DII, and DIII players, including some who have experience playing professionally overseas. I really enjoy playing with these talented women. Though I played DIII about 10 years ago, I find that if I stay fit and get reps in with my shot, I typically play up to their level." 

The typical season runs about a month long, and the Army allows athletes to go on leave to compete during that time. After the Camp Pendleton tournament, Adams qualified to compete on the All-Armed Forces team that consists of players from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. That means another month of playing basketball.

Adams had a week to practice with her new team at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, before flying to Paris on June 26 for the CISM Tournament. The Armed-Forces team then plays against Brazil, the Netherlands, France, Canada, Germany, and Lavia.

Adams attests to her time at Oneonta being a crucial factor in preparing her for this journey. After being primarily a bench player for her first two seasons, Adams grew into the Red Dragons' top option. "Coach Thompson allowed me to take on a leadership role in my senior year, and through her guidance, I worked to earn more time on the court," stated Adams. "My confidence grew through practice and repetition. I became the go-to scorer and shooter my senior year, and even though I'm not the go-to scorer at the level I am playing at now, I know my role here. They were setting double screens for me to get three pointers at Oneonta, and at this level, they still know I'm a shooter and work to help me get open."

According to coach Thompson, "It was a pleasure to work with Cara throughout her career. No matter the role she was given, she embraced it and kept finding ways to grow her game! Her efforts certainly impacted the program both on and off the court. Her lead-by-example style of leadership inspired others to want to grow themselves as well."  

Once the tournament ends, it is back to business for Adams. "I typically check out mentally as a dietitian for the month or two I am competing...because I have to! It takes a lot of effort and energy to practice and be competitive at this level," said Adams. "But I know once I get back to work, I'm back to being a dietitian helping others and being passionate about what I do. What I love most is being able to practice what I preach - my sports nutrition, proper fueling, and fitness help me to still compete at 31 years old."

Although her path was challenging, it was something Adams would not have any other way.

"If you had asked me 10 years ago, while at Oneonta, if I would have the opportunity to play basketball in Europe for the U.S. military and get paid for it... I wouldn't have believed you!"