In 2018, the opportunity to sign with a professional hockey team was well within reach for Rooney, who had just stunned the world with her performance at the Pyeongchang Games. However, she decided to return to school at Minnesota-Duluth, and put all her energy into playing college hockey and earning her degree.
"Honestly, I really loved college hockey. I loved the routine of it all. And if it wasn't for Duluth, I don't think I would have made that Olympic team," Rooney told Just Women's Sports. "And I also just wanted to get my degree. I majored in business marketing, and I definitely want to pursue something in that field once I decide to hang up the skates."