Mary Dowling McGrath did not play organized sports at Bridgewater State because at the time she attended BSC there were no varsity athletics for women. However, this did not deter Mary from competing at a high level of athletic competition. In 1958-59 she played on the prestigious Boston Field Hockey team. In track and field, Mary was a member of the Liberty Athletic Club (Lexington, Mass.) and was the New England champion in the javelin six times. In 1960 she was the New England champion in the shot put (34'10.5") and softball throw (225'10.5").

She was also a member of the nationally known softball team Raybestos Brakettes during the 1960s. In 1964, she competed in the Olympic trials for track (javelin) at the New York World's Fair. Presently, Mary is a teacher at Harwich High School.