Disc Golf Pioneer Nikole Coleman Wins Prestigious Becky Zallek Award

Nikole Coleman, a dedicated and passionate disc golfer from Washington state, has made history by winning the prestigious Becky Zallek Women's Choice Award 2025. This award is presented annually to tournament directors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for women in the sport.

Coleman's remarkable journey began when she first discovered disc golf in 2014. Initially hesitant, she was introduced to the local women's group, Women's Peace of Disc Golf, which helped her build confidence and develop a passion for the game. Her love for disc golf soon led her to start organizing non-sanctioned events with her husband's shop, which eventually evolved into her own unique approach to creating welcoming spaces for women.

The Evergreen Women's Series, founded by Coleman in 2022, has become a beacon of inclusivity and community within the disc golf world. This series has not only provided a platform for women to compete but also fosters an environment where they feel heard and valued. With a focus on creating safe spaces, nurturing confidence, and promoting leadership among women, the Evergreen Women's Series has gained significant attention and praise from the disc golf community.

Coleman's vision extends beyond the series itself; she aims to empower women to take ownership of their roles in the sport. Her initiative has successfully trained numerous female tournament directors, who now run events within the series with ease. This shift towards feminine leadership is a testament to Coleman's unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

The Evergreen Women's Series boasts impressive statistics, having grown from 50 women per event in its initial year to 429 player appearances across the series in 2025. The series' points system rewards participation and performance, promoting a fun and engaging atmosphere for all players.

When asked about her approach to organizing events, Coleman emphasized the importance of community building: "I truly believe that if you create a safe and welcoming space, people will come." Her dedication to this principle has inspired a loyal following, with many women traveling great distances to participate in the series.

Coleman's future plans for the Evergreen Women's Series include launching an event called First Flight, designed to support new players by pairing them with experienced tournament women. This innovative approach aims to reduce intimidation and create a more inclusive environment for all participants.

As Coleman continues to inspire and empower women within the disc golf community, her win of the Becky Zallek Women's Choice Award 2025 serves as a testament to her remarkable dedication and leadership. Her story is a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, determination, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive environment.

In Coleman's own words: "I started somewhere, and don't get discouraged by low turnout at the beginning. Two women turn into three, then five, then ten, it builds more organically than you expect." Her advice to other women who wish to create similar initiatives is to start small, lean on existing networks, and provide snacks – always and forever.

Coleman's incredible journey serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to create positive change, anything is possible. The disc golf community owes a debt of gratitude to Nikole Coleman for her unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women, and the Evergreen Women's Series will undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower generations to come.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/2026bz-winner