In the 2001–02 season, McDonough made her senior international debut. She won the silver medal at the Nebelhorn Trophy and placed 6th in her Grand Prix debut at the 2001 NHK Trophy. At the 2002 U.S. Championships, she placed 6th. She was assigned to the 2002 Four Continents, where she placed 5th, and to the 2002 World Junior Championships, which she won.