As the longtime director of the tennis program at a girls’ summer camp in New Hampshire, D’Youville College professor Robert J. Gamble had never before envisioned that he would one day host a tennis tournament with Secret Service agents present.
Yet, that is what happened earlier this summer when Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, took part in the Tennis Tournament Invitational at Camp Robindel, a summer camp for girls, located on Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H.
Malia, who attended a nearby camp, competed in the 15-and-under division of the tournament and received a runner-up trophy, which Gamble presented to her.
“She won three matches, but lost in the finals,” said Gamble. “She was so complimentary and thanked me for running the camp.”
Gamble, who is a full-time professor in the Education Department at D’Youville, is also a tennis professional, certified by the U.S. Professional Tennis Association. He has coached Division 1 Tennis at Southern Illinois University and Castleton State College of Vermont, and in 2010 he was named Conference Coach of the Year. He has been the director of the tennis program at Camp Robindel for as long as he has been teaching at D’Youville, which is 21 years.
Gamble said he was informed that Malia would participate in the tournament only a few days before she arrived with Secret Service agents.
“I tried to schedule her matches on the court so the Secret Service could maintain a clear boundary,” he said.
“It was fun. I never hosted a tournament with Secret Service before. They were very unobtrusive and dressed like camp coaches,” Gamble added.
Malia, he said, arrived in a white van with other campers and, after the tournament, attended a cookout with the other campers. Gamble described Malia as a very competent player.
“She could be a scholarship player if she continues to play at the college level. She’s very consistent and very tall. I’m 5-4 and she towers over me,” Gamble said.

email: hmcneil@buffnews.com