Michelle Smallmon is a name that rings a bell for sports fans across the United States. Her voice fills the airwaves on ESPN Radio’s morning show, “Unsportsmanlike,” where she chats about games, players, and hot topics with a smile you can almost hear.
If you’ve ever tuned into her show, you know she’s got a knack for making sports talk fun and relatable. But who is she really? Where did she come from, and what’s her story?
Early Life: Grow Up in Belleville
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, in Belleville, Illinois, a small town near St. Louis, Missouri. Picture a kid running around, cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, and kicking a soccer ball with friends. That was Michelle.
Her parents, Tony and Robin Smallmon, raised her in a home filled with love and sports. Tony worked as a real estate broker, while Robin kept the family tight-knit. Being an only child, Michelle got plenty of attention, and her folks noticed early on that she had a spark for athletics and talking.
Growing up, Belleville felt like the perfect playground for Michelle. It’s a place where community matters, and sports are a big deal.
She’d watch baseball games with her dad, soaking in stories about her grandpa, Ron Smallmon, who was a batboy for the St. Louis Browns and Cardinals back in the 1940s and ‘50s. His stories about old stadiums and famous players lit up Michelle’s eyes.
I can imagine her, wide-eyed, soaking in every word, dreaming of being part of that world someday. Plus, she wasn’t just a fan; Michelle played sports too. Soccer became her thing, and she was good at it. Her childhood wasn’t fancy, but it was full of moments that shaped her into the person we hear on the radio today.
Education: Build the Foundation
School was where Michelle started turning her passions into plans. She went to Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, and let me tell you, she wasn’t just there to fill a seat. Soccer was her jam, and by her senior year in 2004, she was co-captain of the varsity team. That year, they even made it to the state championships.
After high school, Michelle knew she wanted more than just playing sports; she wanted to talk about them. So, she headed to the University of Illinois. There, she studied broadcast journalism, a perfect fit for someone who loved chatting about games as much as she loved watching them.
She graduated in 2008 with a degree that set her up for the career ahead. College wasn’t just about books, though. Michelle joined the women’s volleyball team, keeping her sporty side alive while learning the ropes of media. Those years built her confidence and gave her the tools to chase her dreams.
Start Her Career: First Steps in St. Louis
Fresh out of college, Michelle didn’t waste time. She landed her first job as a production assistant at KSDK-TV, a local station in St. Louis. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start. She’d run around helping with news shows, learning how TV worked behind the scenes. Sometimes, she’d be on the sidelines at St. Louis Rams games, soaking in the action up close.
That’s when she started chatting with sportscasters like Frank Cusumano and Rene Knott. They saw her spark and even let her jump in on a weekly sports wrap-up show. Her voice was getting heard, little by little.
But Michelle had bigger dreams than just TV. She loved radio, especially after ESPN brought its magic to St. Louis with 101ESPN. One name stood out to her: Bernie Miklasz, a sportswriter she admired. When his producer left, Michelle jumped at the chance.
She’d never done radio before, but she convinced them to take a shot on her. Producing “The Bernie Miklasz Show” was her big break. She ran the booth, kept the show rolling, and sometimes chimed in with her own thoughts. It was a hectic, exciting time, and she was hooked.
Rise at 101ESPN: Finding Her Voice
From 2009 to 2015, Michelle made waves at 101ESPN. She didn’t just stay behind the scenes; she stepped up to the mic. After producing for Bernie, she worked on “The Fast Lane,” a popular show with hosts Randy Karraker, D’Marco Farr, and Brad Thompson.
They’d toss her questions, and she’d fire back with quick, smart answers. Fans started noticing her. Soon, she got her own gig hosting “Rams Playmakers,” a weekly show where she interviewed Rams players. Talking one-on-one with athletes? That was her sweet spot.
Michelle’s time at 101ESPN wasn’t just about work; it was personal too. St. Louis is her home, and being on the radio there felt like talking to family. She’d share stories, crack jokes, and connect with listeners who loved sports as much as she did.
By 2015, she’d built a name for herself. But then, a huge opportunity knocked. ESPN’s national network, “The Mothership” in Bristol, Connecticut, called her up. Leaving St. Louis wasn’t easy, her mom cried at the thought of no more Sunday dinners, but Michelle knew it was time to spread her wings.
Join ESPN: A National Stage
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Moving to ESPN was a game-changer. Michelle started as a producer, working late nights and early mornings to make shows shine. She’d been a fan of ESPN since she was a kid, so being part of it felt surreal. After years behind the scenes, she got back on the air. In 2022, she returned to ESPN Radio full-time, this time as a host.
Now, she co-hosts “Unsportsmanlike,” airing from 6 to 10 a.m. ET every weekday. Alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, she brings sports talk to life for millions.
Her first day on “Unsportsmanlike” in September 2023 was unforgettable. Michelle showed up with a black eye, no kidding! She’d tripped over an air purifier cord while cleaning her New York apartment, and a glass table broke her fall.
Ouch! Instead of hiding it, she and her co-hosts laughed it off on air. It set the tone for the show: real, fun, and a little goofy. Listeners loved it, and Michelle’s charm was front and center.
Career Achievements: Making Her Mark
Michelle’s career is punctuated by significant achievements. At 101 ESPN, she became the first woman to have her name on a show, hosting “Karraker & Smallmon” with Randy Karraker from May 2020 to September 2022, a milestone in a male-dominated field.
Her work earned her the “Best Sports Personality” title from the Riverfront Times in 2014, reflecting her popularity and influence in St. Louis.
At ESPN, her producing work on shows like “First Take” and “Get Up!” contributed to their success, though specific awards from this period are less documented. As a host on “Unsportsmanlike,” she’s helped the show become one of the most listened-to sports radio programs, known for its chemistry and engaging discussions.
Beyond radio, Michelle has been the in-game host for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL, bringing football back to her city, and has hosted events like New Year’s Eve at Ballpark Village and the USBWA dinner at the Missouri Athletic Club, interviewing college basketball stars.
Add in her charity work with groups like The Young Professionals for the St. Louis Zoo and The Little Bit Foundation, and you see a woman who’s all about giving back. Her net worth? Around $1.5 million as of 2025, thanks to her radio gigs, endorsements, and hustle.
Spouse or Boyfriend: Keep It Private
Now, let’s talk about Michelle’s personal side. She’s pretty quiet about it, and that’s on purpose. As of March 2025, there’s no word on a spouse or boyfriend. She’s single, as far as we know, and seems happy that way. She has chosen to keep her romantic life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her career and family connections.
Michelle’s close to her family, though. She posts pics with her parents and siblings on Instagram, showing off their bond. Sunday dinners with Tony and Robin were a big deal before she moved, and she still cherishes those roots.
In her free time, Michelle’s got a furry buddy named Max, her dog. She loves taking him for walks or just chilling at home. Travel’s another passion, she’s always up for an adventure, and staying active keeps her grounded.
Relationships? If she’s dating, she’s keeping it under wraps. Fans might wonder, but Michelle’s focus seems to be on her career and the people she already loves.
Her Love for St. Louis: A City Girl at Heart
St. Louis isn’t just where Michelle’s from; it’s who she is. She’s proud to rep her city on a national stage. When the Rams left for Los Angeles in 2016, it hit her hard. She’s been vocal about it, especially on “Unsportsmanlike.”
Once, a caller named Gus tried to convince her to root for the Rams anyway, but Michelle wasn’t having it. She laid out why St. Louis fans felt betrayed, and it went viral. Her passion for her hometown shone through.
The Battlehawks gave her a new football love. Hosting their games was a blast, and seeing 34,000 fans show up proved St. Louis still cares. Michelle’s Cardinals fandom runs deep too, tied to those childhood memories with her dad and grandpa. For her, St. Louis isn’t just a dot on the map; it’s family, pride, and a big piece of her story.
Fun Facts: Little Things About Michelle
Let’s wrap up with some cool tidbits. Michelle’s a huge Cardinals fan, no surprise there. She’s clumsy, remember that black eye story? Her dog Max is her sidekick, and she’s all about charity, especially for kids and sports.
On social media, she’s @msmallmon on Twitter and Instagram, sharing bits of her life and work. Oh, and she’s 38 now, but her energy feels timeless.
