Michelle Smallmon is a well-known American sports radio host and television personality. She is best known for her work on ESPN and her popular morning show appearances. Michelle has built a strong career in sports media through her hard work and passion. She is one of the most recognized female voices in sports broadcasting today.
Michelle is loved by fans for her fun personality and deep knowledge of sports. She covers a wide range of topics including the NFL, NBA, and college sports. Over the years, she has grown into one of the most respected names in her field. Her career journey, family life, and personal story have made her an inspiring figure for many people.
Who is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon is a popular American sports radio host and media personality. She is best known for her work on ESPN Radio and her appearances on various sports talk shows. She has spent many years building her career in the competitive world of sports broadcasting. Her talent and hard work have made her one of the most respected names in the industry.
Michelle is known for her sharp sports knowledge and her warm and engaging hosting style on air. She covers major sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. Fans across the country tune in every day to hear her take on the biggest sports stories. She has truly made her mark as a strong and talented woman in sports media.
Michelle Smallmon Biography (2025)
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, in Belleville, Illinois — answering the question of when is Michelle Smallmon’s birthday for fans who want to know more about her early life. She is an American sports broadcaster and radio host, best known as the co-host of ESPN Radio’s national morning show Unsportsmanlike, which airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. ET. Her parents, Tony and Robin Smallmon, supported her love for sports from a very young age, taking her to local games and encouraging her passion for broadcasting. After high school, she went on to study at a top university and build an impressive career in sports media.
Michelle began her career in 2008 as a news production assistant at KSDK in St. Louis. In 2009, she joined 101 ESPN as a producer and on-air personality, marking the start of her impressive 101ESPN career. She became the first woman to have her name on a show in the station’s history when she co-hosted Karraker & Smallmon. Her genuine hosting style, polished delivery, and approachable demeanor helped her build a dedicated listener base, eventually earning her a spot on the national ESPN Radio stage where she continues to shine today.
Michelle Smallmon Family & Education
Michelle Smallmon comes from a tight-knit family in Belleville, Illinois — a key part of understanding her Michelle Smallmon Illinois upbringing and personal life details. Her parents, Tony and Robin Smallmon, have played a significant role in her life and provided unwavering support throughout her career. Her father Tony works in the real estate industry, while her mother Robin offered constant encouragement throughout Michelle’s early life and professional development. She credits her parents for teaching her the value of hard work and determination, and sports were always a big part of her surroundings growing up. Her close family bond and strong Midwestern values have stayed with her throughout her entire career.
Smallmon’s academic journey began at the University of Illinois, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism — the foundation of her Michelle Smallmon education. Her time at the university laid a strong foundation for her future career in media, giving her the tools to understand the intricacies of reporting, storytelling, and communication. She earned her broadcast journalism degree in 2008 while also playing on the women’s volleyball team, which reflects her Michelle Smallmon volleyball background and deepened her understanding of competitive sports culture and team dynamics. During her studies, she drew inspiration from respected sportscasters Frank Cusumano and Rene Knott, who showed her that sports journalism integrity could coexist with an engaging personality. Her education gave her all the skills she needed to build a remarkable career in sports broadcasting.
Michelle Smallmon Net Worth

As of 2025, Michelle Smallmon’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $2 million, reflecting her long career in broadcasting, podcasting, and event hosting. She has built her wealth steadily over many years through hard work and smart career moves. Her growing popularity as a radio host and sports broadcaster has consistently increased her income, and with every new ESPN show and podcast appearance, her brand value continues to rise. She is a true example of how dedication and talent can pay off over time.
As a co-host on ESPN Radio’s national network, Michelle Smallmon’s salary is estimated at $100,000 to $120,000 annually — figures that reflect her strong value in the industry. However, her income comes from more than just her main radio role. She has also earned money from other radio shows, guest analyst roles, public speaking for media brands, podcasts, sports events, and written columns. Industry analysts predict that if Michelle continues her trajectory and potentially expands into television or launches a successful podcast, her net worth could exceed $3 million by 2028.
Michelle Smallmon Career
Michelle Smallmon began her career journey in 2008 as a news production assistant at KSDK in St. Louis. In 2009, she joined 101 ESPN as a producer and on-air personality, working on shows like The Fast Lane. She slowly worked her way up from behind the scenes to becoming a recognizable on-air voice in the St. Louis sports scene.
From May 2020 to September 2022, she co-hosted the popular morning show Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN in St. Louis, becoming the first woman to have her name on a show in the station’s history. She is now the co-host of ESPN Radio’s signature morning show, airing from 6 to 10 a.m. ET. Her hard work and talent have made her one of the most respected female voices in sports radio today, and her professional background continues to grow stronger every year.
How Michelle Smallmon Became Famous
Michelle Smallmon became famous through years of hard work and dedication in sports radio. She built her name slowly by starting behind the scenes as a producer before stepping in front of the microphone. Her sharp sports knowledge and warm personality helped her stand out from the crowd. Fans quickly fell in love with her honest and relatable style on air.
Her big moment came when she co-hosted the popular morning show Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN in St. Louis. She made history by becoming the first woman to have her name on a show at that station — one of her greatest Michelle Smallmon achievements in her career. This milestone put her in the spotlight and opened the door to bigger opportunities. She then joined ESPN Radio nationally, where millions of listeners across the country got to hear her voice every single day.
Michelle Smallmon Social Media Profile

Michelle Smallmon is active on social media and loves connecting with her fans online. On Instagram, she goes by the handle @msmallmon and has around 50,000 followers, where she posts updates about her show Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio and SiriusXM. Her Instagram serves as an extension of her radio show, providing behind-the-scenes content, personal insights, and direct engagement with fans.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, she also uses the handle @msmallmon and has over 44,000 followers. She joined the platform in March 2009. She uses Twitter to connect with fans, share sports-related content, and promote her radio show. She is also active on LinkedIn, where she shares insights about her work and sports news. Michelle’s social media presence feels genuine and fun, which is a big reason why fans who want to know what Michelle Smallmon does enjoy following her every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon is an American sports radio host and broadcaster best known for co-hosting ESPN Radio’s morning show Unsportsmanlike. She is one of the most respected female voices in sports media today.
How old is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, making her 39 years old as of 2025. She was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois.
Where is Michelle Smallmon from?
Michelle Smallmon is from Belleville, Illinois, a small city just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Her Midwestern roots have always shaped her warm and relatable personality on air.
What show does Michelle Smallmon host on ESPN?
Michelle Smallmon co-hosts ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show Unsportsmanlike, which airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. ET. The show also streams on SiriusXM Channel 80.
How did Michelle Smallmon start her career?
Michelle Smallmon started her career in 2008 as a news production assistant at KSDK in St. Louis. She later joined 101 ESPN as a producer before becoming a well-known on-air personality.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth?
Michelle Smallmon’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1 million and $2 million. She has built her wealth through her long career in sports broadcasting, podcasting, and event hosting.
Is Michelle Smallmon married?
Michelle Smallmon is not married as of 2025. She keeps her personal life very private and chooses to focus fully on her broadcasting career.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s salary at ESPN?
Michelle Smallmon earns an estimated annual salary of around $100,000 to $150,000 from her role at ESPN Radio. Her total income also includes podcast work, guest appearances, and event hosting.
Who are Michelle Smallmon’s parents?
Michelle Smallmon’s parents are Tony and Robin Smallmon, who raised her in Belleville, Illinois. Her father Tony works in real estate and her parents were always very supportive of her career dreams.
What makes Michelle Smallmon famous in sports media?
Michelle Smallmon became famous for her sharp sports knowledge, warm personality, and her history-making role as the first woman to have her name on a show at 101 ESPN in St. Louis. Her move to national ESPN Radio made her a household name across the country.
Conclusion
Michelle Smallmon is a true inspiration in the world of sports broadcasting. She worked her way up from a small town in Illinois to becoming one of the most recognized voices on ESPN Radio. Her journey proves that hard work, passion, and staying true to yourself can take you very far. She has broken barriers for women in sports media and continues to make her mark every single day.
From her loving family roots in Belleville to her growing net worth of $1 to $2 million, Michelle has built a life she can be truly proud of. She is not just a talented sports broadcaster but also a role model for young women who dream of working in sports media. With her career still growing and her fan base getting bigger every year, the best is clearly still ahead for her. Michelle Smallmon is a name that will continue to shine brightly in the world of sports media for many years to come.