Gurney won the US National 18 Hardcourts in 1984 and was ranked No. 2 nationally in the Girls' 16 singles in 1983.[1] She turned professional in 1984 and joined the WTA Tour. In 1986, she won two consecutive singles titles, the Northern California Open and the Southern California Open. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 17 on March 30, 1987. She posted career victories over Andrea Jaeger, Dianne Balestrat, Mary Joe Fernández, Rosie Casals, and Kathy Jordan. She retired in 1995.