May 29, 2025
Doc Waller, selected Mentor of the Year at CSUB for the 2023-2024 Excel Scholars Program, holding his award.
“I am not ashamed to say how proud I am of Kadar and Bentley. They will be leaving college with multiple degrees, debt-free, while being dedicated athletes,” he said. “My wife and I have put them in a position to be successful but they have managed their time well and focused on keeping the main thing the main thing.”
Doc Waller is married to Dr. Arleana Waller, Bakersfield native and founder of the nonprofit ShePOWER, which provides leadership and mentoring opportunities for girls.
Father and role model top Doc’s list of life priorities, which also contribute to his job as California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)’s Runner Ready program coordinator.
Doc Waller and his wife, Arleana Waller. Photo courtesy Arleana Waller.
He formerly served CSUB as Director of Basketball Operations following a career playing NCAA Division I basketball and professionally in Australia.
Originally from Detroit, Doc was adopted at birth by a single mother. He credits his interest in basketball to a childhood friend who introduced him to the sport.
Legendary high school basketball coach Perry Watson encouraged him as he transitioned into his sports career. Doc holds a degree in criminal justice from Arizona State University.
“I take being a dad very seriously. My sons are getting three things I didn’t have: number one, they grew up with their biological parents, number two, specifically with a dad in the household and number three, they have a relationship with a role model figure,” said Doc.
Seeking a change of scenery and more time together, the Wallers moved to Bakersfield. The couple drove to Los Angeles for their sons’ game practices and did not take a family vacation for 13 years so they could dedicate resources to Kadar and Bentley.
(Left to right) Doc Waller with son, Bentley, wife Arleana and son, Kadar. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARLEANA WALLER
Kadar, 25, and Bentley, 20, are CSUB students and local entrepreneurs. The family owns Bentley Bowl, a local food truck, the perfect hands-on application for their sons’ business acumen.
“Both are on scholarship at CSUB. I am living through my boys and giving them some things I didn’t know existed,” said Doc. “They are scholar athletes. Kadar is in the master’s program with a 3.5 GPA and Bentley has a 3.4 GPA in his undergraduate program, also making the Dean’s List.”
A summary of Doc’s life would be impossible without focusing on his family, which is in itself an example for dads everywhere.
Q&A: Three questions with Doc Waller
Q. What advice do you have for other fathers?
Put pride to the side and be willing to make the sacrifices to put your child in a position to succeed. As a dad, the word ‘tired’ does not exist because you are preparing a young boy to be a young man and will then be a man and a role model figure. Practice what you preach and always be a soundboard. Communication is not a one-way street. Keep the lines of communication open and know children have feelings also. Be non-judgmental so your child knows you have their best interest at heart. They should hear from you, ‘I am a strong member of the supporting cast of yours. I will always be there for you.’
Q. How did you reach the viewpoints that you have on fatherhood?
It was from a wish, all the emotional and life skills tools I wished I had growing up. Nothing is possible without my other half, Arleana.
Q. What should parents of young children know about sports?
You’re teaching your child so much more than athletics. It’s how to be diverse and operate in a structured environment, to be time-oriented, coachable, likeable and a good teammate. There are people who will cheat you in this world but you cannot cheat yourself. That’s self-respect, which children need to learn at an early age.
Fill-in-the-blank questions
- The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is... Say my prayers
- My favorite food is… A Bentley Bowl: greens, yams, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and fried chicken. Nothing comes out of a can, nothing is frozen, it’s fresh, with yams straight from the ground.
- My favorite music group is… New Edition
- So far, my best life advice is… Keep the main thing the main thing. Whatever you set your mind to, do it, because there are going to be distractions along the way. And I still think it takes a village to raise a child.
