Introduction
When the spotlight is on morning sports radio, few names punch through the noise quite like Michelle Smallmon. As a sharp‑witted, polished voice on national airwaves, she has carved out space not just for herself but for a new generation of women in sports broadcasting. This article dives deep into Michelle Smallmon’s background, career trajectory, signature style, and the lessons her journey holds for anyone looking to make waves in media. The focus keyword here? “michelle smallmon”—because her name deserves the recognition and search visibility that comes with it.
Who Is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon is a seasoned sports radio host and media personality, most widely recognized as a co‑host of ESPN Radio’s national morning show Unsportsmanlike. Her story is one of steady climb: from her roots in Belleville, Illinois, to behind‑the‑scenes radio production in St. Louis, to the national spotlight in sports media. These formative years gave her the grit and authenticity that listeners tune in for. What sets Michelle apart is not just the microphone, but the match of deep sports awareness, relatable communication, and a freshness rarely seen in such a competitive field.
Early Life and Education
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, in Belleville, Illinois—just outside the St. Louis metropolitan area. Growing up in the Midwest, she absorbed the region’s passionate sports culture early on, particularly with the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues playing a strong role in her fandom.
In high school at Althoff (Belleville) she was not just a student but an athlete and engaged media‑intern kind of person, setting the stage for a career that blends sports and storytelling. Then at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, she pursued broadcast journalism, graduating in 2008, while also participating in the college’s media and sports activities. It wasn’t an overnight decision — she initially considered becoming a dermatologist — but she quickly realized the radio booth was where she belonged.
Michelle Smallmon’s Career Journey
The path Michelle took is both instructive and inspiring. Early on she worked behind the scenes—production, editing, booking—learning the entire ecosystem of radio before becoming the voice. During her early career in St. Louis she got experience at local station 101 ESPN (WXOS) and developed her chops in both on‑air and production work.
In May 2020 she became co‑host of Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN. Importantly, she became the first woman in the station’s history to have her name in the show title. That milestone symbolizes not only her career milestone but a shift in sports media attitudes.
Then in 2022 she returned to ESPN Radio’s national network as the co‑host of Unsportsmanlike, which airs weekdays from 6–10 a.m. ET (5–9 a.m. central). This move marked the culmination of local grind and national ambition, placing Michelle firmly among the leading voices on the airwaves.
Rise to ESPN: How Michelle Smallmon Made It Big
What allowed Michelle Smallmon to make the leap? First: persistence. The early years of production and behind‑the‑scenes work gave her a full understanding of content creation. Second: adaptability. She mastered a variety of roles—on‑air host, producer, event host, live game presenter for the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks and video work for St. Louis City SC. Third: authenticity. Michelle’s style—clear, genuine, smart—connects both hardcore sports fans and general listeners. Fourth: opportunity seized. When she was given the co‑host slot with her name in the title on 101 ESPN, she didn’t just fill the spot; she redefined it. With each stage she built momentum and reputation, which opened the ESPN national door.
Current Role at ESPN Radio
In her current capacity, Michelle Smallmon is the co‑host of Unsportsmanlike, alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, airing nationally via ESPN Radio each weekday morning. On this platform, she addresses major sports stories, engages with national audience, and uses her experience from local radio to bring a slightly different perspective: one that’s both grounded and expansive. Her role involves airing commentary, interviews, and live reactions, which means she speaks on everything from major league moments to fan culture. For her listeners, Michelle offers more than voice: she offers connection and authenticity.
Signature Broadcasting Style
What really distinguishes Michelle Smallmon is her style. First, she combines sports expertise with storytelling—it’s not just what happened, but why it matters. Her Midwestern roots show through in her relatable tone: she doesn’t talk over you, she talks with you. Second, she brings a measured but lively energy to mornings—a difficult slot that requires both wake‑up impact and intelligent content. Third, she values authenticity. Whether referencing local St. Louis ties or national league patterns, she stays genuine, avoiding overhyped spin. Fourth, she has built a broad appeal: fans of the Cardinals/Blues regionally feel her local credibility; national audiences respect her voice among more male‑dominated talk radio. In short: Michelle’s voice is authoritative but not arrogant, polished but not distant. That mix is rare and part of her success.
Personal Life and Interests
Though Michelle Smallmon is best known for her professional persona, she maintains a personal life that supports and fuels her work. She remains connected to her hometown Belleville and the greater St. Louis sports ecosystem—her roots anchor her broadcast voice. Outside the studio she enjoys sports (notably her hometown teams), staying active, and engaging with community initiatives. While she keeps many specific personal details private (relationship status, non‑work life), the public knows she values authenticity, integrity and giving back. One reported interest: involvement in youth sports charities and local media community efforts.
Awards, Recognition, and Media Appearances
Michelle Smallmon may not have a trophy cabinet full of marquee awards (publicly listed), but her recognition in the industry comes through milestones and firsts: such as being the first woman to have her name in a show title at 101 ESPN. Her move to national radio hosting at ESPN is itself a recognition of her caliber. Media outlets cover her journey as breaking barrier and setting example—for women and for sports radio personalities alike. She has also appeared at live events and on‑air segments that go beyond routine radio hosting, expanding her influence and presence in sports media.
Michelle Smallmon on Social Media
On social media, Michelle maintains a strong, consistent presence. Her Instagram handle is @msmallmon and she uses it to share behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of her show, sneak peeks of her life on the road, and sports commentary. On X (formerly Twitter) she engages with listeners, shares opinion, and shows her personality beyond just the studio mic. This social activity helps expand her personal brand—making “michelle smallmon” not just a name heard on radio, but a name searched online and followed. Her social media strategy underscores the fact that sports broadcasters today need to engage audiences across platforms, not just via AM/FM.
Inspiring Lessons from Michelle Smallmon’s Career
There are several take‑aways from Michelle’s professional journey:
- Start behind the scenes: She built her experience as a producer before becoming the voice. That fuller understanding of the medium helps build credibility and versatility.
- Embrace your roots: Her Midwestern upbringing and local sports foundation provided authenticity and helped differentiate her voice.
- Be persistent and patient: Careers in sports broadcasting rarely explode overnight — Michelle’s years of grind in St. Louis and incremental growth show how long‑term vision pays off.
- Break barriers: Being the first woman to have her name on a morning show in her market matters; it shows how representation and credibility can converge.
- Adapt to new platforms: Her presence on radio, live events, social media, and digital content show how modern hosts must evolve.
- Stay relatable: While she operates at a national level, Michelle never loses connection to the listener. That balance—of personality + professionalism—is rare, but powerful.
For aspiring broadcasters—especially women interested in sports media—Michelle Smallmon’s career is a blueprint worth studying.
FAQs About Michelle Smallmon
Q: Where is Michelle Smallmon from?
A: Belleville, Illinois, which is near the St. Louis, Missouri region.
Q: What show does Michelle Smallmon host on ESPN?
A: She co‑hosts Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio, weekdays 6–10 a.m. ET.
Q: What is Michelle Smallmon’s educational background?
A: She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign in 2008 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Q: How did Michelle Smallmon get into broadcasting?
A: She started with internships and production roles (including working at KSDK in St. Louis) then moved into radio producing before stepping into hosting.
Q: What’s her social media handle?
A: On Instagram she is @msmallmon.
Conclusion
Michelle Smallmon is more than just a radio voice; she is a trailblazer in sports media—someone who built her path through hard work, authenticity, and determination. Starting from Belleville and local radio production, she ascended to a national platform with ESPN, all the while staying true to her Midwestern roots and sports‑lover’s heart. Her story speaks to the power of persistence, the importance of relatability, and the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. As you search “michelle smallmon” online—and listen in to her show—you’re tapping into not just a name, but a journey that continues to inspire. And for those looking to follow in her footsteps, her blueprint is clear: learn everything behind the mic, stay grounded, embrace your uniqueness, and prepare to be heard.