Emily is a 2002 graduate of Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wisconsin. While in high school she earned a combined eight letters in cross country and track.

At the University of Minnesota, she was a four-time All-American. She earned All-America status in both cross country and track in the 2005-06 academic year, becoming the first Gopher to do so in 20 years. Emily is the school record holder in the 3000 meters indoor (9:27.33) and 3000m steeplechase (9:56.62). On the track, she was a Big Ten Champion in the steeplechase and finished fourth in the steeple at the 2006 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. In cross country, she led the women's team to its two best finishes (9th and 11th) at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

Since turning professional, Emily set a personal best indoors of 9:10.60 in the 3000 meters (previous was 9:27.33), and a best of 4:32.58 in the mile (previous was 4:44.14). She also placed third at the USA Cross Country 8k Championships to earn a spot on the U.S. World Cross team. At World Cross Country, Emily was 18th overall and first across the line for the 4th place U.S. Women's team. Running in her first steeplechase of the year at the Drake Relays on April 26, she posted the Olympic "A" qualifying standard and personal best time of 9:45.38 to win the event. At the Cardinal Invitational on May 4, Emily won the women's 5000 meters in a best of 15:19.57 (previous best was 16:28.24). She competed in the 5000 at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

In 2009, Emily won the women's 8k race at the USA Cross Country Championships and placed 3rd at the USA 15k Championships. She was also a member of the first place women's team at the Jacksonville 15k.

Emily joined Team USA Minnesota in the summer of 2007.