In the 2000–2001 season, McDonough made her debut on the ISU Junior Grand Prix. She won the bronze medal at her first event and the silver at her second, which qualified her for the Junior Grand Prix Final. She went on to win the Junior Grand Prix Final. McDonough made her senior national debut at the 2001 U.S. Championships and placed 7th. She went on to the 2001 World Junior Championships, where she won the silver medal.