 In the 1996–97 season, McDonough won the bronze medal at the novice level at the 1997 U.S. Championships.The following season she moved up to Junior, but placed 5th at sectionals and did not qualify for the Nationals.In the 1998–99 season, McDonough won both her regional and sectional championship to qualify for the 1999 U.S. Championships, where she placed 6th on the junior level.