Ethel Mary Cartwright, a native of London, England, came to the University of Saskatchewan in 1928 from McGill University in Montreal where she had been a coach, teacher and administrator for 23 years. At both McGill and the University of Saskatchewan, she was a leader and innovator for women in physical education and sport.

At the U of S, she organized the women's physical education department. Under her leadership, women's sports at the university flourished and received autonomous recognition with the establishment of the Women's Athletic Directorate.
In 1942, she established the Spirt of the Youth, presented annually to the woman who best demonstrated the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, idealism and academic ability, character and athleticism.

The Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD) presented Mary with the R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award, it's highest distinction, in 1948. She served at the U of S for 15 years as coach, teach and administrator.

The Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy is presented annually to the University of Saskatchewan Huskie Athletics female athlete of the year.