Michelle Smallmon is a rising star in sports media, known for being one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. As the co-host of ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show, Unsportsmanlike, she is breaking barriers for women in sports broadcasting, establishing herself as a dynamic figure on the microphone.
Michelle Smallmon biography and career highlights reflect a journey marked by significant achievements, dedication, and passion for her craft. Michelle continues to make waves in the sports radio world, carving Michelle Smallmon career path for future generations of women in the field.
From humble beginnings to becoming a key player in sports media, Michelle Smallmon stands out as a true standout in the landscape of 2026 and beyond. In this article we will explore Michelle Smallmon biography and career details.
Michelle Smallmon Biography
Michelle Smallmon, an American sports radio host and media personality, is a key figure in the world of sports broadcasting. Born on August 13, 1986, in Belleville, Illinois, she has made significant strides in sports journalism over the past 15 years.
As a broadcaster for ESPN Radio, Michelle is best known for co-hosting the signature morning show, Unsportsmanlike, alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty. Her authentic voice and sports knowledge have garnered a dedicated following, connecting with listeners on both professional and personal levels.
With her ability to provide genuine opinions and a fresh perspective, Michelle brings real conversation to the airwaves, offering insights on stats and scores that resonate with her audience.
Fans also keep up with Michelle Smallmon latest news, following her projects, appearances, and career milestones. A groundbreaking achievement in her career was becoming the first woman to host such a prominent sports radio show, reaching millions of listeners every morning.
Family of Michelle Smallmon
Michelle Smallmon, from Belleville, Illinois, was raised in a close-knit suburban community near St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents, Tony Smallmon and Robin Smallmon, played an integral role in shaping her love for sports. Tony, a real estate broker and avid baseball fan, passed down his passion for the game, often bonding with Michelle through scorekeeping at St. Louis Cardinals games at Busch Stadium.
This connection helped Michelle Smallmon develop a strong analytical perspective on the sport, creating her deep-rooted loyalty as a Cardinals fan and Blues fan. Their Midwest upbringing fostered Michelle Smallmon’s relatable, down-to-earth nature, allowing her to resonate with listeners.
These personal experiences are an important part of the Michelle Smallmon profile, highlighting how family support and early influences contributed to her success in navigating the male-dominated sports broadcasting industry, where her hard work, dedication, and authenticity helped her thrive.
Education of Michelle Smallmon
Michelle Smallmon’s educational journey began at Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, where she was not only a dedicated athlete but also a passionate sports fan. Throughout her time at Althoff, Michelle excelled in varsity volleyball, demonstrating her competitive drive and athletic ability as a freshman.
By her senior year in 2004, she had risen to the role of co-captain of the volleyball team, leading them to the state tournament while honing her skills in team dynamics and managing competitive pressure—skills that would later inform her athlete’s mindset in sports broadcasting.
Michelle Smallmon college experience continued at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she pursued a degree in broadcast journalism. Graduating in 2008, she balanced her academic pursuits with her commitment as a student-athlete on the women’s volleyball team.
This dual experience laid the foundation for her future broadcasting career, where she was mentored by Frank Cusumano and Rene Knott, two of St. Louis’ premier sportscasters. Their guidance helped Michelle develop her professionalism, knowledge, and on-air presence, equipping her with the tools to thrive in sports broadcasting.
Michelle Smallmon Media Career
Here is the path of Michelle smallmon media path career:
1: Ksdk and Initial Experience
Michelle Smallmon began her professional journey after her college graduation and stepped into the media industry with determination. She started working as a news production assistant, where she learned the basics of newsroom operations. Her early exposure helped her understand the demands of professional broadcasting.
At KSDK, an NBC affiliate based in St. Louis, she experienced a real-time newsroom environment. The fast-paced news media culture required accuracy, speed, and responsibility. This setting allowed her to sharpen her skills in television production.
She actively contributed to content creation while meeting tight deadlines. Her role involved helping to verify information and support engaging news coverage. These early experiences built invaluable skills that shaped Michelle Smallmon career in sports journalism.
2: 101espn st. Louis Period
Michelle Smallmon began her career in 2009 at 101ESPN in St. Louis as a production assistant, marking her entry into sports radio. Over 13 years, she gained experience both behind the scenes and on the air, developing her voice, refining opinions, and learning from experienced sports broadcasters.
She contributed to signature shows like The Fast Lane and The Bernie Miklasz Show, taking on multiple roles that fostered her growth and Michelle Smallmon career success. In May 2020, she achieved a breakthrough as co-host of Karraker & Smallmon, the morning show, a historic moment and barrier-breaking achievement for women in sports radio.
Her chemistry with Randy Karraker, sharp sports insights, and ability to cover topics, scores, and stats made the show popular in the St. Louis market, becoming appointment listening for St. Louis sports fans until its run ended in September 2022.
3: Espn Radio National Platform
In 2022, Michelle Smallmon reached a major career milestone by joining ESPN Radio, a national network, as co-host of the weekend show Michelle Smallmon Unsportsmanlike before moving to the flagship morning show weekdays, 6:00–10:00 AM ET, alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty.
This dynamic trio blends complementary skills and perspectives, combining local and national radio experience, including insights from NFL veteran Canty are playing career and Michelle’s expertise.
Their genuine chemistry engages listeners through traditional sports talk, sports, life, culture, and relationships, amplified by SiriusXM Channel 80, ESPN2 simulcasts, top podcasts, and social media interactions, creating a fresh, relevant, and entertaining listening experience.
This step marked an important moment in Michelle Smallmon career milestones and growth, solidifying her presence on a national platform and expanding her influence in sports broadcasting.
Expanding the Spotlight Beyond Radio
Michelle Smallmon’s talents go far beyond the radio booth, showcasing her versatility as a broadcaster and media personality.
1: Xfl Battlehawks Host
Michelle brought energy and insight as the in-game host for the St. Louis XFL Battlehawks, engaging fans directly, delivering live commentary and analysis, and contributing to the exciting return of professional football in St. Louis.
She thrived in this interactive, high-energy environment, proving her adaptability both on-air and in-person, highlighting Michelle Smallmon recent projects and work.
2: Louis City SC Contributor
With Major League Soccer expanding to St. Louis, Michelle created video content for St. Louis City SC, showing her flexibility across different sports and media formats. Her ability to connect with soccer audiences demonstrates her broad appeal and multi-sport expertise, as well as Michelle Smallmon social media presence and updates.
3: Podcasts & Digital Content
Beyond traditional radio, Michelle frequently appears on ESPN podcasts and digital content platforms, embracing modern sports media to engage younger, digitally-savvy audiences. Her presence online highlights Michelle Smallmon’s skill in connecting with fans across multiple channels.
Michelle Smallmon Measurements
Michelle smallmon age is 39 years, and her zodiac sign is Leo, reflecting her confidence, warmth, and natural leadership—qualities visible on air.
Michelle smallmon height is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of 143 pounds (65 kg), a result of her active and athletic lifestyle. Balancing a professional and busy schedule, Michelle prioritizes fitness and wellness, which complements her dynamic presence and energetic personality.
Michelle Smallmon Personal Life and Relationship Status
Michelle Smallmon has always kept her personal life private, choosing to focus on her professional achievements rather than public romance. As of 2026, she is single and not married, despite occasional rumors about her romantic relationships circulating in 2024.
She gained attention during her time on ABC’s reality dating show, The Bachelorette, particularly the playful NFL Bachelorette segment, which created some confusion about her personal life. Michelle values her privacy and prefers not to let social media or public speculation affect her.
Her main focus remains on her work, passion for sports, and building meaningful connections with listeners. She continues creating engaging content while balancing the pressures of being a public figure, keeping Michelle Smallmon personal life updates discreet and professional.
Michelle Smallmon Income and Earnings
Michelle Smallmon has achieved significant financial success in sports media. Her net worth is estimated between $1 million and $3 million, reflecting her 15-plus year career spanning local and national radio, including 101ESPN, ESPN Radio, and her co-host role on Unsportsmanlike.
This highlights Michelle Smallmon net worth and income details. Additional earnings come from in-game hosting for the XFL Battlehawks, content creation for St. Louis City SC, appearance fees, and endorsements.
Industry sources suggest annual michelle smallmon salary ranges from $100,000 to $150,000, comparable to other national radio hosts on major networks. Michelle’s work ethic, smart career decisions, and high-profile responsibilities have secured her financial stability.
She has acquired valuable assets and investments, and enjoys a strong earning potential. This also highlights the broader conversation about underpaid women versus their male counterparts in sports broadcasting.
Appearance and On-Air Presence
Michelle Smallmon is recognized for her brown hair and black eyes, which complement her warm and engaging personality on-air. Her style strikes the perfect balance between professional and approachable, allowing her to connect with viewers while maintaining an authoritative sports voice.
Her physical attributes and confident demeanor enhance her relatable personality, making her presence both authentic and compelling. She navigates the pressures of the industry, especially as a woman, with poise, using her knowledgeable and passionate approach to sports, highlighting Michelle Smallmon achievements in journalism and media.
With a strong athletic background, Michelle demonstrates natural comfort discussing games, strategies, and emotions on a deeper level, whether on-air or from the sidelines. Her broadcasting style is confident, sometimes opinionated or controversial, yet always informed and engaging, reflecting Michelle Smallmon ESPN age and experience.
101espn’s First Female Host
Michelle Smallmon made history as the first female host at 101ESPN St. Louis, marking a significant personal milestone and a major career achievement. Her role was a breakthrough for women in sports radio, a field traditionally dominated by men.
Starting with sideline reporting, pre-game shows, and softer stories, Michelle quickly transitioned to main talk shows, proving her success in a male-dominated space. Her knowledge, passion, and on-air presence allowed her to effectively connect with audiences alongside her male counterparts.
Her achievement holds broader significance by opening doors for other women in sports media, showing program directors and station managers the value of female hosts in engaging diverse audiences and shaping the future of sports talk radio.
Michelle Smallmon Sports Journalism Career
Michelle Smallmon has built a successful sports journalism career, earning respect and recognition in the industry. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Tom Brady, LeBron James, Mike Trout, and Patrick Mahomes, showing her ability to hold meaningful conversations beyond surface-level sports talk.
Her experience includes football, basketball, and baseball, where her sideline interviews and understanding of on-field performance reflect her athletic background in volleyball. Michelle asks informed questions, engaging athletes and connecting with viewers.
She has covered major sporting events on ESPN Radio, including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and World Series, handling high-pressure broadcasts with professionalism. Her work at the top levels of sports media makes her a respected sports journalist.
Community Service and Charity Efforts
Michelle Smallmon has used her broadcasting career to support charitable causes and engage in community work. She has participated in events like the New York City Marathon and supported the V Foundation for Cancer Research, honoring Jim Valvano’s legacy and showing her commitment to important causes.
She actively lends her platform and personal effort to organizations such as Young Professionals, St. Louis Zoo, and the Little Bit Foundation, helping children with special needs and breaking down barriers to learning. Her involvement reflects a genuine commitment to giving back and improving lives.
Through her charitable work, Michelle demonstrates how sports and broadcasting can be used responsibly to make a positive difference in the community, aligning her career values with meaningful impact.
Michelle Smallmon Social Media Following
Michelle Smallmon maintains an active social media presence across multiple platforms, including Instagram (@msmallmon) and X/Twitter, where she has over 42,000 followers. Michelle Smallmon Instagram and Twitter presence serves as an extension of her radio show, sharing behind-the-scenes content, personal insights, and professional updates.
Her social media strategy emphasizes direct engagement with fans, providing a window into her career, personality, interests, work, and sporting events. She also highlights charitable activities, personal moments, and collaborations with colleagues, reinforcing her public image.
Through a multi-platform approach, Michelle connects her radio audience with broader communities, making her presence genuine, accessible, and frequent, enhancing both listener engagement and her overall professional profile in modern media.
Why Michelle Smallmon Shines in Sports Broadcasting?
In the competitive world of sports media, Michelle Smallmon contributions to sports broadcasting make her stand out for several key reasons that drive her growing influence and success.
1: Authentic Presence
Michelle’s authenticity sets her apart. Her Midwestern roots, true passion for sports, and candid opinions are evident in every broadcast. In an industry where many personalities seem scripted or artificial, her honesty offers a refreshing and relatable voice.
2: Media Versatility
Whether on radio, television, in-game hosting, or digital content, Michelle excels in multiple formats. This adaptability not only makes her an asset to ESPN but also positions her for continued career growth.
3: Informed & Prepared
Michelle approaches every broadcast with thorough preparation. She goes beyond surface-level talking points, offering insightful analysis and asking well-informed questions. Her perspectives reflect a true understanding of athletes and the sports she covers.
4: Leading By Example
Michelle has paved the way as a woman in sports radio, but she focuses on her work instead of her gender. Her accomplishments speak for themselves, showing her skill, professionalism, and influence without emphasizing the challenges she faced.
5: Co-Host Chemistry
The success of Unsportsmanlike owes much to Michelle’s chemistry with co-hosts Evan Cohen and Chris Canty. She skillfully balances different personalities and contributes to a cohesive and engaging show.
Future Plans of Michelle Smallmon
Michelle Smallmon’s career trajectory points upward, with continued success in sports media and a growing national profile through Unsportsmanlike and other platforms. She is exploring new opportunities in television broadcasting, radio, and podcasts, building on her on-camera presence and ESPN2 simulcast experience.
Comfortable hosting major studio shows, pre-game coverage, and play-by-play, Michelle is also developing individual podcasts focused on specific sports, athlete interviews, and sports culture, reaching niche audiences and expanding into areas like sports betting and fantasy sports.
Her analytical skills allow her to analyze games from multiple angles, keeping pace with an evolving market. Looking ahead, she aims for leadership roles, influencing network programming decisions, and mentoring the next generation of sports broadcasters, especially women in the industry, shaping the future of sports media.
Conclusion
Michelle Smallmon has become one of the leading voices in sports radio, rising from her early days in Belleville, Illinois to covering Cardinals games and co-hosting ESPN Radio’s main morning show. Her journey shows her hard work, talent, and determination, earning respect in a male-dominated industry.
Now in her late 30s, Michelle is in the prime of her career, using her experience and knowledge to interview top athletes, discuss sports events, and connect with the Unsportsmanlike community. She adapts to new platforms and technologies, sharing quality content in multiple ways.
Her story inspires fans and future broadcasters, showing how to succeed in sports media, adapt to changes, and deliver fun, engaging, and meaningful sports coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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