Michelle Smallmon ESPN: Radio Host’s Career and Success

Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, in Belleville, Illinois, a vibrant community just outside St. Louis. She grew up in a sports-loving household led by her parents, Tony and Robin Smallmon, who nurtured her passion for athletics from an early age.

Her father, Tony Smallmon, works as a Broker Associate at the Barber Murphy Group and is a well-known real estate broker in Missouri’s housing industry. He was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan who regularly brought young Michelle to games at Busch Stadium, sparking her lifelong love for baseball.

Her mother, Robin Smallmon, provided unwavering support throughout Michelle’s journey, encouraging her daughter’s dreams even when they seemed ambitious. The Smallmons created an environment where Michelle felt empowered to pursue unconventional career paths.

Fun Fact: Michelle’s parents were so committed to her education that they mortgaged their home to fund her University of Illinois tuition—an investment that paid dividends far beyond money when she later acknowledged them during her broadcasting achievements.

As an accomplished radio host, Michelle Smallmon ESPN has made a significant impact in the world of sports broadcasting.

Michelle Smallmon ESPN has become a household name in sports broadcasting, making her mark on the industry.

Quick Bio: Michelle Smallmon Overview

Educational Foundation and Athletic Background

Michelle attended Althoff High School in Belleville, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She played varsity volleyball as a freshman—a rare accomplishment demonstrating her athletic abilities—and served as team co-captain during her senior year in 2004 when the team advanced to state competition.

These high school experiences taught her teamwork, discipline, and the importance of preparation—qualities that would later define her broadcasting career.

After graduating high school, Michelle enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2008. During college, she continued her athletic pursuits by playing on the women’s volleyball team, balancing rigorous academic demands with competitive athletics.

Mentorship Matters: During her formative years, Michelle drew inspiration from respected St. Louis sportscasters Frank Cusumano and Rene Knott, who showed her that sports commentary integrity could coexist with engaging personality and authentic voice.

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Michelle Smallmon ESPN Age: Rising Star at 38

Born on August 13, 1986, Michelle Smallmon is 38 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Leo, fitting for someone with her confident on-air presence and natural leadership abilities.

At 38, Michelle represents a generation of broadcasters who grew up with digital media and understand how to connect with audiences across multiple platforms. Her youth combined with her extensive experience—over 15 years in broadcasting—positions her uniquely in sports media.

Despite being relatively young compared to many veteran broadcasters, Michelle has already achieved what takes others decades: a co-hosting position on ESPN Radio‘s flagship morning show, making history as one of the most prominent female voices in sports radio.

Breaking Into Broadcasting: The KSDK Years

Michelle’s professional journey began at KSDK, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis, where she worked as a news production assistant. This behind-the-scenes role provided invaluable insight into how media operates, teaching her the mechanics of news production, story selection, and broadcast logistics.

Working in news production helped Michelle understand the full scope of broadcasting beyond just on-air talent. She learned editing, research, script writing, and the coordination required to produce quality content under tight deadlines.

This foundation proved crucial when she transitioned to sports radio, where production skills and on-air talent often intersect. Her ability to think like a producer while performing as a host gave her unique advantages in her career.

The 101 ESPN Foundation: Making St. Louis History

In 2009, Michelle joined 101 ESPN in St. Louis, marking the beginning of her sports radio career. She started as a producer for various shows, including The Fast Lane and The Bernie Miklasz Show, learning from experienced broadcasters while developing her own voice.

Her talent quickly became apparent. By 2015, Michelle had transitioned from behind-the-scenes production to on-air roles, producing and appearing on multiple signature shows across the station. Her engaging commentary and deep sports knowledge made her a fan favorite.

Historic Achievement: From May 2020 to September 2022, Michelle co-hosted Karraker & Smallmon, the station’s popular morning show. This made her the first woman to have her name on a show in 101 ESPN’s history—a groundbreaking milestone that opened doors for other female broadcasters in St. Louis sports media.

Her partnership with Randy Karraker showcased her ability to hold her own alongside veteran broadcasters, offering sharp analysis while maintaining an entertaining, accessible style that resonated with listeners.

Expanding Beyond Radio: XFL and MLS

Michelle’s talents extended beyond traditional radio hosting. She served as the in-game host for St. Louis’ XFL team, the Battlehawks, providing live commentary and engaging with fans during games. This role required quick thinking, crowd management skills, and the ability to maintain energy throughout lengthy sporting events.

She also did extensive video work with St. Louis City SC, the city’s MLS team, demonstrating her versatility across different media formats. Her comfort on camera complemented her radio skills, making her a multi-platform talent.

Community Presence: Michelle hosted various high-profile live events, including St. Louis’ signature New Year’s Eve party at Ballpark Village and the USBWA dinner at the Missouri Athletic Club, where she interviewed top names in college basketball. These appearances raised her profile and demonstrated her ability to command large audiences in live settings.

Michelle Smallmon ESPN: The National Stage

In 2022, Michelle made the leap to national prominence by joining ESPN Radio as co-host of Unsportsmanlike, the network’s flagship morning show airing weekdays from 6-10 a.m. ET. She co-hosts alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, bringing Midwestern authenticity and sharp sports analysis to millions of listeners daily.

As a pivotal figure, Michelle Smallmon ESPN is reshaping the landscape of sports media.

The show airs on ESPN Radio, SiriusXM Channel 80, and streams on ESPN2, giving it massive reach across multiple platforms. Michelle’s presence on Unsportsmanlike represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to her craft.

What Makes Her Stand Out: Michelle doesn’t rely on hot takes or manufactured controversy. Instead, she provides thoughtful analysis, asks insightful questions, and creates genuine conversations that feel like listening to knowledgeable friends discussing sports rather than formal presentations.

Many listeners tune in to hear Michelle Smallmon ESPN for her insightful commentary.

Her ability to discuss complex sports issues with clarity and charm, combined with her natural humor and relatability, has earned her a loyal following and widespread recognition as one of the leading female voices in sports broadcasting.

Interviewing Sports’ Biggest Names

Throughout her career, Michelle has interviewed some of the most iconic athletes in sports history, including:

• Tom Brady – NFL legend and seven-time Super Bowl champion
• LeBron James – NBA superstar and four-time champion
• Mike Trout – MLB’s three-time MVP
• Patrick Mahomes – NFL’s two-time MVP and Super Bowl champion

These high-profile interviews demonstrate the respect Michelle commands in sports media. Athletes and coaches trust her to ask intelligent questions and conduct interviews with professionalism and genuine curiosity.

With her unique perspective, Michelle Smallmon ESPN brings fresh insights to sports discussions.

Physical Appearance and On-Air Presence

Michelle Smallmon stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and weighs around 65 kilograms (143 pounds), maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle that reflects her athletic background.

She has brown hair and striking dark eyes that enhance her on-camera presence. Her physical appearance is professional and approachable, complementing her authentic broadcasting style.

Unlike some broadcasters who project manufactured personas, Michelle’s appearance and demeanor reflect genuine confidence and professional competence. Her natural beauty combined with professional polish creates the perfect radio and television personality package.

Michelle Smallmon ESPN Husband: Setting the Record Straight

Is Michelle Smallmon married? No. As of 2025, Michelle Smallmon is not married and has not publicly disclosed any information about a spouse or long-term romantic relationship. Multiple verified sources confirm she is currently single.

Despite public curiosity about her personal life, Michelle has deliberately kept her romantic status private. She maintains an active social media presence but shares no details about boyfriends, dating, or relationships.

Respecting Privacy: Michelle’s decision to keep her personal life separate from her professional achievements is respected within the sports broadcasting community and by her fans. In an era where many celebrities overshare online, Michelle’s approach feels refreshing and dignified.

Some sources have incorrectly speculated about potential relationships or used clickbait headlines about “Michelle Smallmon spouse” or “Michelle Smallmon husband,” but these claims lack verification. Michelle has never publicly confirmed any romantic partnership.

Her focus remains clearly on her broadcasting career rather than publicizing personal relationships. This professional approach has earned her respect from colleagues and audiences who appreciate her boundary-setting between public persona and private life.

Net Worth and Financial Success

As of 2025, Michelle Smallmon’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $2 million. This wealth reflects her successful career spanning over 15 years in sports broadcasting, event hosting, and digital media projects.

Primary Income Sources

ESPN Radio Salary: While ESPN doesn’t disclose individual host salaries, industry reports suggest mid-level to senior ESPN Radio hosts typically earn between $100,000 and $250,000 annually. Given Michelle’s high-profile role co-hosting the flagship morning show, her salary likely falls in the upper portion of this range.

Event Hosting: Michelle’s work hosting live events, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, charity dinners, and sports functions, provides substantial supplementary income. Event hosting fees for personalities at her level typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 per appearance.

Television Appearances: She has appeared on various ESPN television programs, including SportsCenter and special coverage events. Television appearances complement her radio work and provide additional compensation.

Brand Partnerships: Her influence in sports media creates opportunities for brand collaborations and sponsored content, though Michelle maintains selectivity about partnerships to preserve her credibility.

Speaking Engagements: As a respected broadcaster and trailblazer for women in sports media, Michelle likely receives fees for speaking at conferences, universities, and industry events.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Beyond her broadcasting success, Michelle demonstrates commitment to charitable causes and community service. She has sat on the board of several charities, including:

• The Young Professionals for the St. Louis Zoo – Supporting wildlife conservation and education
• The Little Bit Foundation – Breaking down barriers to learning for children with special needs

Running for a Cause: In a remarkable display of dedication, Michelle is set to run the New York City Marathon on behalf of the V Foundation, a cancer research organization. This physically demanding challenge demonstrates her commitment to using her platform for causes beyond sports.

Her charitable work reflects values instilled by her Belleville upbringing and her parents’ emphasis on giving back to the community.

Social Media Presence and Digital Engagement

Michelle Smallmon maintains an active and authentic social media presence, connecting with fans while maintaining professional boundaries.

Official Social Media Accounts:

• Instagram: @msmallmon — Approximately 47,000 followers with 584 posts. Her bio reads: “unsportsmanlike 6-10 am et 📻: @espnradio, @siriusxm ch 80 📺: espn 2.” Following 955 accounts. She shares behind-the-scenes ESPN content, travel experiences, fitness updates, and occasional personal moments while protecting her privacy.
• Twitter/X: @msmallmon — Approximately 13,800 posts with active engagement. Michelle uses Twitter for sports commentary, interacting with listeners, sharing show clips, and responding to fan questions. Her Twitter presence reflects her quick wit and sharp sports analysis.
• Facebook: Active presence sharing professional updates and engaging with the sports community.

Michelle’s social media strategy balances professional insights with authentic glimpses into her life. She documents culinary adventures across America, shares fitness motivation, and provides followers with valuable sports commentary while maintaining clear boundaries about her personal relationships.

Engagement Style: Michelle frequently responds to thoughtful fan questions and comments, making social media engagement rewarding for loyal followers. Her authentic approach has built a devoted following across platforms.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Sports Media

Michelle Smallmon’s career represents significant progress for women in sports broadcasting, a field historically dominated by male voices. Her achievements open doors for aspiring female sportscasters who see her success as proof that talent and dedication can overcome industry barriers.

Michelle Smallmon ESPN continues to pave the way for future female broadcasters.

She faced the additional scrutiny that women sports commentators often encounter but handled pressure through preparation, authenticity, and unwavering professionalism. Her success demonstrates that audiences value insightful analysis and engaging personality regardless of gender.

Mentorship and Inspiration: Michelle’s willingness to discuss her journey and support other women in broadcasting creates a positive ripple effect throughout the industry. She proves that success doesn’t require imitating male broadcasting styles but rather bringing authentic perspectives and unique voices to sports commentary.

Broadcasting Philosophy and Style

What distinguishes Michelle from other sports broadcasters is her commitment to authenticity over sensationalism. She emphasizes sports broadcasting integrity, providing thoughtful analysis rather than hot takes designed purely for clicks or controversy.

The dedication of Michelle Smallmon ESPN to her craft is evident in every broadcast.

Her approach focuses on:

Genuine Insight: Michelle studies games, understands statistics, and provides analysis based on actual knowledge rather than surface-level observations.

Relatability: She makes complex sports topics accessible to casual fans while satisfying hardcore enthusiasts with deeper analysis.

Humor: Her natural wit and ability to find humor in sports situations creates an entertaining atmosphere without undermining serious discussion.

Respect: She treats athletes, coaches, and colleagues with professionalism, building relationships that enable better interviews and insights.

The Future: What’s Next for Michelle Smallmon

Upcoming projects for Michelle Smallmon ESPN are highly anticipated by fans.

As of 2025, Michelle’s career trajectory suggests continued growth and expanded opportunities. Industry insiders speculate about potential television opportunities, media company leadership roles, and national expansion of her influence.

Her multi-platform skills—radio, television, event hosting, social media—position her for diverse career possibilities beyond traditional broadcasting. Universities across America seek her expertise for student journalism programs, reflecting her status as a role model for aspiring broadcasters.

Long-Term Impact: Michelle’s greatest legacy may not be her on-air work but her role in normalizing female voices in sports media and inspiring the next generation of broadcasters to pursue their dreams regardless of industry barriers.

FAQs About Michelle Smallmon

Michelle Smallmon ESPN is celebrated for her contributions to the world of sports media.

Who is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon is an American sports broadcaster and radio host best known as co-host of ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show Unsportsmanlike (weekdays 6-10 a.m. ET). She began her career in St. Louis before rising to become one of the leading female voices on ESPN Radio.

What is Michelle Smallmon’s age?
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, making her 38 years old as of 2025. Despite her relatively young age, she has over 15 years of broadcasting experience and has achieved remarkable success in sports media.

As she advances in her career, Michelle Smallmon ESPN continues to inspire others.

Is Michelle Smallmon married? Does she have a husband?
No, Michelle Smallmon is not married and does not have a husband. As of 2025, she is single and has not publicly disclosed any information about romantic relationships. She maintains privacy regarding her personal life and focuses primarily on her broadcasting career.

What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth?
As of 2025, Michelle Smallmon’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $2 million. Her wealth comes from her ESPN Radio salary, event hosting, television appearances, and brand partnerships accumulated over her successful 15+ year broadcasting career.

How tall is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and weighs around 65 kilograms (143 pounds). She maintains an active, healthy lifestyle reflective of her athletic background.

Michelle Smallmon ESPN remains a prominent figure in discussions about sports broadcasting.

Where did Michelle Smallmon go to college?
Michelle Smallmon graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism. While there, she played on the women’s volleyball team, balancing academics with athletics.

What shows does Michelle Smallmon host?
Michelle currently co-hosts Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty (weekdays 6-10 a.m. ET). Previously, she co-hosted Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN in St. Louis from 2020-2022, making history as the first woman to have her name on a show at the station.

Who are Michelle Smallmon’s parents?
Michelle’s parents are Tony Smallmon, a Broker Associate at the Barber Murphy Group and real estate broker, and Robin Smallmon. They supported her education and career, even mortgaging their home to fund her university tuition. Both remain active supporters of her career and attend events where she appears.

Fans appreciate the authenticity Michelle Smallmon ESPN brings to her reporting.

Has Michelle Smallmon won any awards?
While specific awards aren’t widely publicized, Michelle’s most significant achievement is becoming the first woman to have her name on a show at 101 ESPN and rising to co-host ESPN Radio’s flagship morning program—accomplishments that represent major milestones in sports broadcasting.