For many, the idea of juggling two distinct passions in college might seem like a daunting task. But for Regan Bobich, a senior at Elmhurst, it’s a dream come true.
 
Bobich is an accomplished student-athlete on the golf course at EU as a two-time All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) selection and the recipient of the Elite 26 award in women’s golf for 2024-25, given to the student-athlete who excels academically and athletically at the conference level in each of the CCIW's 26 sponsored sports.
 
But she is not just a student-athlete on the golf course; she’s also a dedicated performer on the stage. Her unique journey from California to Chicago, and her ability to balance these two demanding pursuits, is a testament to her passion and determination.
 
FINDING A NEW PATH
Bobich’s journey to Elmhurst began in Southern California, where she didn’t even start playing golf until her freshman year of high school.
 
“My dad had gotten me a set of clubs when I was really little, and he tried to get me into golf,” Bobich explained. “But I thought it was something boring that my dad did on the weekends. I was more of a softball kid for a while.”
 
It wasn’t until the start of high school that Bobich decided to give golf a shot. She started taking lessons and became more involved in the sport, participating in various tournaments.
 
As she improved her skills and gained more experience, the idea of playing collegiate golf began to take shape.
 
“My coach started asking me if I was interested in playing in college, and honestly, I didn’t know,” Bobich shared. “But the more involved I became with golf, and the more I enjoyed it, the more I realized it was something I wanted to take with me into college.”
 
Bobich was fortunate enough to be recruited by Elmhurst, an institution that offered her the perfect opportunity to pursue both her passion for golf and her love for theater.
 
“This school has given me an incredible opportunity because there aren’t a lot of places where I would be able to get my degree in musical theater, which is quite time-demanding,” Bobich added. “But Elmhurst has allowed me to pursue both theater and golf, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
 
A FAMILY CONNECTION
Bobich’s decision to attend Elmhurst was influenced by her grandparents, who had lived in the area for a long time.
 
“I knew I wanted to go out of state for college, and my grandparents had lived in Chicago for many years,” Bobich said. “I was familiar with Illinois, and I had been there a few times, so I knew what to expect. Chicago has always felt like a place I could return to because I had so many good memories there.”
 
Growing up, Bobich visited her grandparents in Chicago numerous times, creating a strong connection to the city. Despite her grandparents eventually moving to California, Bobich’s love for the area remained.
 
“Chicago is a place that’s always felt like home to me, even though my grandparents moved away,” Bobich explained. “It’s a city I’ve always loved, and I think their influence definitely played a role in my decision.”
 
BALANCING TWO WORLDS
At Elmhurst, Bobich discovered the challenge of balancing her two passions: golf and theater. Initially, she thought of them as two distinct sides of her life, but over time, she realized they shared common ground.
 
“I always thought that golf and theater were two very different things,” Bobich admitted. “But a lot of the mental game from playing golf transfers into theater. You can’t let your opponents shake you, just like you can’t let any challenges on the stage affect your performance.”
 
Bobich’s ability to balance her time between golf and theater has required careful planning and dedication. She often starts her days with early morning golf practice, followed by classes and rehearsals in the evenings.
 
“It’s crazy, but it’s genuinely so much fun for me,” Bobich said. “The two parts of my life that I value so dearly are intersecting, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
 
A STAGE TO SHINE
On the academic side, Bobich is majoring in musical theater, a field that has been her passion since high school. She has participated in numerous productions at Elmhurst, showcasing her talent and dedication to the craft.
 
“I’ve been in quite a few shows since my freshman year,” Bobich shared. “One of my favorites was a play called ‘Silent Sky’, where I played a character named Annie Jump Cannon, who was a real astronomer and an advocate for women’s rights. It was such a fun and meaningful role.”
 
Another highlight for Bobich was her role in the musical “Legally Blonde,” where she had the opportunity to sing and dance in the lead role. The large cast and the energy of the production made it a memorable experience for her.
 
“I never thought I’d have the chance to play a role like that,” Bobich said. “It was a special moment for me because it was such a big production, and I got to be part of something so grand. It was a joy to see everyone shine on stage.”
 
WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
To prospective college students who may be in a similar position, unsure if they can balance multiple passions, Bobich has some advice to offer.
 
“Don’t let your fears shake you,” Bobich encouraged. “It can be scary knowing how time-consuming a sport is and how demanding a major like musical theater can be. But if you’re passionate about both, don’t let your worries get in the way.”
 
Bobich emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support from academic advisors and leaning on the people around you. She believes that anything is possible if you have the determination and the willingness to work hard.
 
“You know in your heart what you want to do,” Bobich stated. “If that includes being an athlete and pursuing a performance major, go for it. It’s a unique experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
 
LOOKING AHEAD
As Bobich approaches her final year at Elmhurst, she’s looking forward to what the future holds. While she plans to start auditioning and pursuing a professional acting career, she also wants to keep golf as part of her life.
 
“I don’t want to leave golf behind, and I don’t think I ever will,” Bobich said. “I’ve even considered coaching or teaching golf to share my love for the sport with others.”
 
Bobich’s journey at Elmhurst has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and the pursuit of her passions. Her ability to balance golf and theater is a testament to her dedication and love for both. As she prepares to graduate in the spring, she looks forward to staying in the Chicago area and continuing to pursue her dreams.
 
“I’ve had some wonderful professors, friends, and experiences here,” Bobich concluded. “I just love it out here, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”