Turn on any sports talk radio show at 6 a.m., and chances are you’ll hear someone yelling. Loud, fast, and opinion-packed—most of it is designed to grab your attention more than share insight. And then there’s Michelle Smallmon.
She doesn’t yell. She doesn’t force hot takes. What she brings is something far rarer: genuine thoughtfulness. A mix of deep sports knowledge and emotional intelligence. Her voice cuts through, not because it’s loud but because it’s clear.
If you’ve heard her on ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike”, you know what I mean. There’s a warmth in the way she breaks down an NFL controversy or the way she subtly weaves in humour while discussing college football rankings. Michelle has become the kind of personality that makes sports talk feel like a conversation again—not a debate stage.
But before ESPN, before the national platform, Michelle’s journey started somewhere a little quieter: in a Midwest town just outside St. Louis.
Quick Bio: Michelle Smallmon
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Smallmon |
| Age | 38 (born August 13, 1986) |
| Hometown | Belleville, Illinois |
| Height | 5’7” |
| Education | University of Illinois |
| Job Title | ESPN Radio Host |
| Current Show | “Unsportsmanlike” |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Notable First | First woman to co-host & name show on 101 ESPN |
| Fun Fact | Lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan |
Belleville to Broadcasting: A Midwestern Story
Michelle Smallmon grew up in Belleville, Illinois, where sports weren’t background noise—they were tradition. Her dad was a Cardinals fan, the kind who passed it down like a family heirloom. She didn’t just watch games; she lived them.
In high school, Michelle wasn’t on the sidelines. She was co-captain of her volleyball team at Althoff Catholic High School, already showing signs of leadership and drive. That mix of athleticism and ambition carried her into college at the University of Illinois, where she studied broadcast journalism and continued to stay connected to the sports world.
For Michelle, it was never about chasing fame. It was about finding a space where she could connect, communicate, and contribute to something bigger.
Radio Roots and Real Work
After college, she started where a lot of radio careers begin: off the air, behind the scenes. Michelle joined 101 ESPN in St. Louis as a producer. It wasn’t glamorous—long hours, odd tasks, audio cuts nobody notices unless they’re wrong.
But she didn’t treat it like grunt work. She learned. She listened. And before long, she was getting chances on the mic.
Eventually, Michelle co-hosted the station’s flagship morning show, “Karraker & Smallmon.” That wasn’t just a milestone for her—it was historic. She was the first woman to have her name on a show in the station’s history. And she earned it through consistency, honesty, and a knack for being both analytical and approachable.
The ESPN Leap
In 2022, Michelle joined ESPN Radio on a national level. She now co-hosts “Unsportsmanlike”, a morning drive show that’s become one of the network’s cornerstones. The format is loose but smart—precisely the kind of environment where Michelle thrives.
She brings something to the show that most sports radio lacks: balance. Whether it’s discussing a controversial coaching decision or offering a lighthearted story about growing up in a sports-obsessed household, Michelle never overplays it. She stays real.
And maybe that’s the secret. In a time when sports media often feels overproduced, Michelle is refreshingly… normal. And that’s meant as the highest compliment.
The Internet Wants to Know…
Is Michelle Smallmon married?
No, Michelle is not married, and she’s pretty private about her personal life. She’s focused on her work, and unlike a lot of personalities, she doesn’t lean into social media drama or relationship talk. And honestly? That’s part of her appeal.
What is Michelle Smallmon age?
Michelle was born on August 13, 1986, which makes her 38 years old as of 2025.
Michelle Smallmon Height
She stands at 5 feet 7 inches—tall enough to command attention on stage, but her real presence comes from how she carries herself.
Why She’s Different (And Why That Matters)
Michelle Smallmon isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. She’s not trying to “go viral.” What she’s doing is much more valuable: she’s proving that women in sports media can thrive without becoming caricatures. She’s sharp, thoughtful, funny—but never performative.
And that’s what makes her important. Because somewhere out there, a 17-year-old girl is thinking about applying to journalism school. She’s nervous. Unsure if she’ll ever belong in the world of sports media.
Then she hears Michelle Smallmon talk on air. And suddenly, it feels possible.
Final Thoughts
Michelle Smallmon is not just another name on the ESPN lineup. She represents a shift—a more honest, more human way to talk about sports. Her path from Belleville to the national stage didn’t happen overnight. It took years of behind-the-scenes work, a steady voice, and a belief that being yourself is enough.
And if you’ve ever tuned in to her show and found yourself nodding, smiling, or thinking a little deeper than you expected to… well, that’s the Michelle Smallmon effect.
FAQs: Michelle Smallmon
1. Is Michelle Smallmon married?
No, Michelle Smallmon isn’t married. She keeps her personal life very low-key, which is something her fans respect. While people are naturally curious (and Google search trends prove it), she’s focused on her career and doesn’t put her private life in the spotlight.
2. How old is Michelle Smallmon?
Michelle was born on August 13, 1986, which makes her 38 years old as of 2025. She’s had a long, impressive journey in sports radio and continues to evolve her career with confidence and clarity.
3. How tall is Michelle Smallmon?
She stands around 5 feet 7 inches tall. That might not sound like a crucial detail, but fans always want to know! She’s got a presence that feels bigger than her height—confident and grounded whether she’s on air or hosting a live event.
4. Where is Michelle Smallmon from?
Michelle grew up in Belleville, Illinois, just outside of St. Louis. That Midwestern upbringing shaped her sports loyalty (she’s a huge Cardinals fan) and gave her the grounded, relatable style that listeners love.
5. What show does she host on ESPN Radio?
Michelle currently co-hosts “Unsportsmanlike” on ESPN Radio, which airs weekday mornings. It’s a mix of sports talk, culture, and real-life perspective—and Michelle brings a calm, intelligent energy to the table every day.
6. What makes Michelle Smallmon different from other sports broadcasters?
Michelle doesn’t shout, she doesn’t fake opinions, and she’s never trying to outshine anyone. She brings balance, insight, and authenticity—something that’s sorely needed in today’s sports media. You always feel like she’s talking with you, not at you.
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