She is the 2016 World Junior Champion in the 3000 metres and her time still stands as the championship record in that event.

In 2016, Degefa began winning a series of cross country races.

At the Cross de l'Acier, she bested teammate Fantu Worku and Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai to win by four seconds.

She outkicked Kalkidan Fentie in the final stretch to win by four seconds again.

Her position was later moved up to 2nd after race winner Nancy Jelagat was suspended for an anti-doping rules violation.