At the age of 18, Colleen began writing her book about her time as a female football state champion. Just days before her college graduation at University of Dayton, she published her memoir. She dedicated her time in college to her rowing team where they spent many hours stretching themselves among the toughest conditions on the chilly Great Miami River. After college, she continued to attend University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine where she continues to strive for providing quality medicine to all animals great and small. While most of the book is about her drive and desire to win a state championship, parts of it detail how she had to overcome critics of her playing on the boys’ football team. In the end the book celebrates how she worked together with her teammates and how they had such a mutual respect for each other. “Do not be afraid and never limit yourself. Never miss an opportunity to give your full effort,” said McDonnell. “The teammates who have inspired me are the rowers who consistently give their all without fear of fatigue, pain, or failure.”One of the most important messages she sent by breaking barriers and showing courage is her example to girls everywhere.