She previously played for Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League, Dalsjöfors GoIF in the Damallsvenskan, and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the W-League.

[2] During her tenure on the back line, Illinois produced 42 shutouts and gave up the second-fewest goals in program history in 2008, allowing just 19.

[2] Coach Janet Rayfield said of Zurrer, "Emily keeps everything in perspective and weathers the ups and downs of life and of athletics with an amazing positive demeanor and a constant smile.

"[3] During her time at the University of Illinois, Zurrer was also very active off the field, taking a lead role in Illinois' Hometown Heroes program, which includes visits to local elementary schools and seniors' centres, in addition to involvement with Read Across America, Carle Pediatrics, Relay for Life, Yankee Ridge After School Program, Crisis Nursery Holiday Shop and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Awarded to one male and one female student-athlete from the graduating class of each member university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."

Zurrer played for the Vancouver Whitecaps off and on for multiple seasons starting in 2004, in between Canadian national team duty and attending university.

[12] Zurrer scored her first senior goal for Canada in the 2011 Cyprus Cup group stage match against Scotland in a 1–0 victory.