When you think about dynamic sports radio voices, Michelle Smallmon instantly comes to mind. She’s carved her path from a small town in Illinois to the national stage of ESPN Radio. Today, she’s more than just a co-host. She’s an inspiration for anyone chasing their broadcasting dreams.
Michelle didn’t plan to be a broadcaster at all. In fact, she once thought her future was in medicine. Yet, life had a different script, and that twist of fate turned her into one of the most recognizable personalities in sports media.
In this biography, you’ll dive into her early life, family roots, academic background, breakthrough career, achievements, and even personal details like her age, height, weight, hobbies, and net worth. Let’s get started.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Smallmon |
| Real Name | Michelle Smallmon |
| Date of Birth | Reported August 13, 1986 (not officially confirmed) |
| Age | Late 30s |
| Birthplace | Belleville, Illinois, USA |
| Parents | Tony Smallmon (father), Robin Smallmon (mother) |
| Education | University of Illinois – Broadcast Journalism (Class of 2008) |
| High School | Althoff Catholic High School |
| Profession | Sports Radio Host, Broadcaster |
| Notable Works | Co-host of Unsportsmanlike (ESPN Radio), Karraker & Smallmon (101 ESPN St. Louis) |
| Height | ~5′7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | ~143 lb (65 kg) |
| Body Measurements | Reported 34-26-35 inches (unconfirmed) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (reported) |
| Religion | Christian (reported) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–2 million (not officially confirmed) |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram and X (Twitter) |
| Status | Alive and active in media |
Early Life and Education
Full Name
Her full name is Michelle Smallmon.
Real Name
Interestingly, her real name is the same — Michelle Smallmon.
Date of Birth
Reports list her birth date as August 13, 1986. However, ESPN and her university profile don’t confirm it directly. What’s verified is her hometown in Belleville, Illinois.
Childhood
Michelle grew up in Belleville, a small but vibrant community near St. Louis.
Family Background
Michelle’s parents, Tony and Robin Smallmon, supported her curiosity and drive from the start. Family has always been a central pillar in her life.
School/University
She attended Althoff Catholic High School, where she was active in sports and community events. Later, she enrolled at the University of Illinois and earned a degree in broadcast journalism in 2008.
Career Journey
Before Fame
Michelle initially considered studying medicine. But after struggling with freshman chemistry, she switched paths. That decision opened doors to student media, internships, and broadcasting roles.
Early Career
Her first big break came at KSDK-TV in St. Louis as an intern. She later joined 101 ESPN St. Louis, where she produced shows, learned the ropes, and built valuable industry connections.
Breakthrough
Michelle’s breakthrough moment was co-hosting the morning show Karraker & Smallmon on 101 ESPN. She became the first woman in the station’s history to have her name featured in a show title — a major milestone.
Peak Years
From 2020 to 2022, Michelle became a household name in St. Louis sports radio. In 2023, she landed a national role at ESPN Radio as co-host of Unsportsmanlike, airing weekdays across the country.
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Physical Appearance
Age
Michelle is in her late 30s (born in 1986, if the reported date is accurate).
Height
Her reported height is around 5′7″ (170 cm).
Weight
She weighs approximately 143 lb (65 kg).
Body Measurement
Aggregator sources suggest body measurements of 34-26-35 inches. These details are reported but not officially confirmed.
Physical Attributes
Michelle is known for her energetic presence, warm smile, and professional style that resonates with her audience.
Major Achievements
Awards
While she hasn’t received a major broadcasting award, her achievements are tied to career milestones, like breaking gender barriers at 101 ESPN.
Records
- First woman to co-host a named morning show on 101 ESPN.
- Transition from local radio to national ESPN Radio morning show — a record achievement in itself.
Contributions
Michelle has contributed by:
- Mentoring young women interested in sports broadcasting.
- Hosting charity events and supporting community organizations.
- Bringing fresh perspectives to the male-dominated sports talk space.
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Personal Life
Family
Her parents are Tony and Robin Smallmon, and she’s close to her extended family in Illinois.
Nationality
She holds American nationality.
Ethnicity
Her ethnicity is reported as White.
Religion
She was raised in a Christian household.
Relationships
Michelle keeps her romantic life private. No verified public records show marriage or children.
Net Worth
Estimates place her net worth between $1 million and $2 million. These are reported figures, not official disclosures.
Hobbies
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys fitness, sports events, and travel. She’s also a music lover and attends concerts whenever possible.
Social Media Presence
She’s active on Instagram and X (Twitter), where she shares behind-the-scenes moments, show updates, and personal glimpses.
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Interesting Facts
- Michelle once considered becoming a doctor before pivoting to journalism.
- She was heavily involved in Orange Krush, the Illinois basketball student section.
- Her first ESPN Radio shift happened while she had a black eye, which she joked about on-air.
- She’s worked as an in-game host for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL.
- She has emceed major events, including the USBWA banquet in St. Louis.
- Michelle enjoys charity runs and community events in her hometown.
- She once said her dream job would be hosting a sports show that inspires young women.
Legacy or Influence
Michelle’s influence extends beyond her shows. She’s shown that women can thrive in sports radio, a field long dominated by men. Her journey encourages aspiring broadcasters to embrace career pivots and trust their passions.
Moreover, she has left a mark by staying authentic, approachable, and deeply connected to her community. Her voice represents change, and her success at ESPN proves that barriers can be broken with talent and persistence.
FAQs
Who is Michelle Smallmon?
She’s an American sports radio host and ESPN Radio personality.
Where is Michelle Smallmon from?
She’s from Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s age?
She’s reported to be born in 1986, making her in her late 30s.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s nationality?
She’s American.
What show does Michelle Smallmon host?
She co-hosts Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $1–2 million.
Conclusion
Michelle Smallmon’s story is proof that life doesn’t always follow the plan you imagine. From Illinois classrooms to ESPN studios, she’s embraced every twist and turned it into success.
Her legacy lies not just in her on-air presence, but in the way she’s inspiring the next generation of broadcasters. If you found her journey fascinating, don’t forget to share this blog, drop a comment, and explore related stories about rising voices in sports media.
Read more about Michelle Smallmon on IMDb Profile
