Bainbridge began her rugby journey in the North, playing for Sandal RUFC and Yorkshire Under-18s, whom she captained, before beginning life at Newcastle University. Here she began balancing a law degree with her playing career. The hooker brings extensive experience despite her formative years, both in the Premiership, having played for the last three years for DMP Sharks and then Wasps Women and internationally, having broken into the England Under-20s set up.