In the wide, echoing arena of American sports media, some voices shout, some analyze, and a rare few truly connect. Michelle Smallmon belongs to that rare few. Her voice carries warmth, insight, and a lived-in love for sports that feels honest rather than performed. From local radio in St. Louis to the national stage of ESPN Radio, her journey feels both modern and rooted in old-fashioned grit.
Michelle Smallmon’s career is not a story of shortcuts. It is a slow burn, built on early mornings, behind-the-scenes work, and a steady belief that preparation and authenticity still matter. Today, she stands as one of the most recognizable female voices in sports broadcasting, admired not only for what she says, but for how she says it.
Michelle Smallmon Biography
Below is a clear overview of Michelle Smallmon’s personal and professional background, presented in an easy, visitor-friendly way.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Smallmon |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1986 |
| Age | 38 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | Belleville, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Illinois, Broadcast Journalism |
| Profession | Sports Broadcaster, Radio Host |
| Notable Shows | Karraker & Smallmon, Unsportsmanlike |
| Current Network | ESPN Radio |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Residence | United States |
This snapshot helps readers quickly understand who Michelle Smallmon is and why she matters in modern sports media.
Michelle Smallmon’s Age and Early Perspective
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, which makes her 38 years old as of 2025. Age, in her case, is not just a number. It represents a balance between experience and freshness. She has lived through the old-school radio era while fully embracing the digital-first sports media world.
Being part of a younger generation of broadcasters allows her to speak comfortably to longtime sports fans and newer audiences who follow games through podcasts, social clips, and live radio streams. Her timing in the industry feels almost poetic, arriving at a time when authenticity is again being valued.
Early Life in Belleville, Illinois
Michelle Smallmon grew up in Belleville, Illinois, a place where Midwestern values run deep, and sports are treated like family traditions. Her childhood was shaped by stadium seats, radio commentary, and the emotional rhythm of St. Louis sports teams.
Her father, Tony Smallmon, played a major role in nurturing her love for baseball and sports culture. Trips to St. Louis Cardinals games were not just outings; they were lessons in loyalty, storytelling, and shared emotion. These early experiences quietly planted the seeds for her future career.
Her upbringing was grounded, supportive, and encouraging, which later gave her the confidence to step into an industry that rarely made space for young women.
Education and Athletic Background
Michelle attended Althoff Catholic High School before enrolling at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in broadcast journalism, a choice that blended her love for sports with her talent for communication.
While in college, she was also a member of the women’s volleyball team. Balancing athletics with academics taught her discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Those lessons now echo through her broadcasting style, where preparation meets instinct.
Her university years gave her both the technical skills of journalism and the competitive mindset of an athlete.
First Steps Into Broadcasting
Every meaningful career has a quiet beginning. For Michelle Smallmon, that beginning came at KSDK in St. Louis, where she worked as a production assistant. It was not glamorous, but it was essential.
Behind the scenes, she learned how shows are built, how timing matters, and how preparation separates good broadcasts from forgettable ones. This early phase grounded her in the fundamentals of media work, something many skip but few master.
Career Growth at 101 ESPN St. Louis
In 2009, Michelle joined 101 ESPN St. Louis as a producer. This move would shape her career in lasting ways. She quickly became known for her work ethic, creative ideas, and calm presence under pressure.
Over time, her role evolved from producing to speaking on air. Listeners responded to her natural delivery and thoughtful sports insight. The station recognized her talent, and in 2020, she made history.
She became the first woman to have her name in a show title at the station with Karraker & Smallmon. This milestone was not symbolic alone. It was earned through years of consistency and credibility.
Impact of Karraker & Smallmon
From 2020 to 2022, Karraker & Smallmon became a defining chapter in her career. The show blended humor, serious sports analysis, and a conversational tone that felt welcoming rather than forced.
Michelle’s presence challenged old assumptions about who “belongs” on sports radio. She didn’t imitate anyone. She didn’t soften her opinions. She simply showed up prepared and authentic, day after day.
The show’s success turned local respect into national attention.
Transition to ESPN Radio
In 2022, Michelle Smallmon stepped onto the national stage by joining ESPN Radio. The transition from local to national broadcasting is rarely easy, but she adapted quickly.
She became a co-host of Unsportsmanlike, ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show, alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty. Airing during the most competitive time slot, the show demands energy, insight, and emotional awareness.
Michelle brings all three. Her commentary feels sharp yet human, informed yet accessible.
Michelle Smallmon on Unsportsmanlike
Unsportsmanlike reaches millions of listeners each weekday morning. Michelle’s role on the show is central, not supportive. She drives conversations, challenges opinions, and keeps the tone balanced.
Her chemistry with co-hosts feels natural, built on mutual respect rather than performance. This dynamic is a major reason the show resonates with a wide audience.
She has proven that her voice belongs on the biggest stage in sports radio.
Michelle Smallmon Family Background
Family has always been a quiet strength in Michelle Smallmon’s life. She was born to Tony and Robin Smallmon, both of whom supported her ambitions from an early age.
Her father’s love for baseball introduced her to sports culture, while her mother’s encouragement provided emotional stability. Michelle often speaks warmly about her upbringing, even while keeping her private life largely out of the spotlight.
As of recent updates, she is not married and has chosen to keep her personal relationships private, focusing public attention on her work.
Michelle Smallmon Net Worth and Earnings
While exact figures are rarely public, Michelle Smallmon’s career trajectory offers a clear picture of her financial standing.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Income | ESPN Radio hosting |
| Additional Income | Event hosting, media appearances |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million to $2 million (2025) |
| Growth Outlook | Strong upward trend |
Her national presence and expanding media roles suggest her net worth will continue to rise steadily.
Broadcasting Style and Personality
Michelle Smallmon’s broadcasting style feels refreshingly honest. She blends analysis with humor, seriousness with lightness. She speaks like someone who loves sports, not someone trying to impress an audience.
Listeners often describe her as relatable, sharp, and confident without arrogance. This balance has become her signature.
Challenges and Defining Moments
Like many women in sports media, Michelle has faced skepticism and unfair expectations. She met those challenges not with confrontation, but with consistency.
One memorable moment came just before her debut on Unsportsmanlike, when she appeared on air with a black eye after an accident. Instead of retreating, she owned the moment with professionalism, earning even more respect.
Work Beyond Radio
Michelle Smallmon’s career extends beyond the studio.
| Role | Organization |
|---|---|
| In-Game Host | St. Louis Battlehawks (XFL) |
| Digital Media | St. Louis City SC (MLS) |
| Event Host | Major sports and community events |
Her versatility proves she is not limited to one medium.
Community Involvement and Values
Michelle remains deeply connected to her community. She has served on boards supporting education and youth development, including the St. Louis Zoo Young Professionals and The Little Bit Foundation.
These efforts reflect a belief that success carries responsibility.
Legacy and Influence in Sports Media
Michelle Smallmon represents a new, yet timeless, model of sports broadcasting. She honors preparation, respects the audience, and values authenticity over noise.
Her journey inspires young journalists, especially women, to believe there is space for them at the microphone.
Conclusion
Michelle Smallmon’s career is a reminder that steady dedication still matters in a fast-moving world. From Belleville, Illinois, to ESPN Radio’s national stage, she has built her path brick by brick, voice by voice.
At 38, she stands firmly in her prime, carrying both experience and possibility. Her story continues to unfold, and if the past is any guide, her voice will echo for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986. As of 2025, she is 38 years old and continues to build a successful career in national sports broadcasting.
What show does Michelle Smallmon host on ESPN Radio?
Michelle Smallmon is a co-host of Unsportsmanlike, ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show, where she delivers sports analysis, commentary, and engaging discussions with her co-hosts.
Is Michelle Smallmon married?
As of the latest public information, Michelle Smallmon is not married. She keeps her personal life private and focuses primarily on her professional career.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s estimated net worth?
Michelle Smallmon’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025, based on her ESPN Radio role and other media work.
Where did Michelle Smallmon start her career?
Michelle Smallmon began her broadcasting career in St. Louis, working behind the scenes before rising to on-air roles at 101 ESPN St. Louis.
