Michelle Smallmon is one of the most known names in the world of sports broadcasting. From a modest start to co-hosting ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show, Unsportsmanlike, with Chris Canty and Evan Cohen, Smallmon has made a name for herself in an industry that’s long been stocked primarily with males. But beyond her captivating outlets for the most recent sports stories, there’s a nuanced story of commitment, perseverance and a profound love for community.

Whether you are a sports lover, an ESPN aficionado, or just a person intrigued by the world of radio, this is your guide into Michelle Smallmon’s incredible journey in life and career.

Early Life and Education

Michelle was born on Aug. 13, 1986, in Belleville, Illinois, and was raised in a sports-loving environment. Her father, Tony Smallmon, a dedicated real estate broker, was a lifelong baseball fan who regularly brought her to St. Louis Cardinals games. For Michelle, it was more than watching; her dad made her keep score, illuminating her appreciation for the games early on.

Smallmon was not just successful in high school – and on her way to a college career (she played varsity sports, herself) – she eventually graduated in 2008 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in broadcast journalism. Her talent for merging on-field experience with an academic approach to storytelling provided a foundation for a perspicuous career.

Career Beginnings

Michelle’s introduction to broadcasting at the professional level happened at KSDK in St. Louis, where she was a production assistant. Her strong work ethic shone through and helped her climb the ranks in the saturated sports media space.

She found her break in 2009 when she became a production assistant for 101 ESPN in St. Louis. Soon, she was producing and appearing on air across various shows. Shows such as The Fast Lane and The Bernie Miklasz Show honed Green’s ability and gave her the confidence to take on larger jobs.

Rise to ESPN Fame

The big break for Michelle Smallmon was when she co-hosted Karraker & Smallmon (May 2020-September 2022) on 101 ESPN. She was historic, the first woman whose name ever went on a show in the station’s history. Her talent for juxtaposing insider sports knowledge with down-to-earth chat endeared her to a strong audience.

Her abilities have finally returned her to ESPN Radio in 2022. Now, as one-half of Unsportsmanlike’s host duo, Michelle’s voice is heard nationwide from 6-10 a.m. ET each morning. And with years of experience, she can (and does!) deftly straddle the line between granular sports analysis and personality-based chatter.

‘Unsportsmanlike’ and Dynamic Shows

Among Smallmon impressive accomplishments is her involvement with Unsportsmanlike. The Unsportsmanlike hosts don’t believe in sports shows. Still, they can make their own and laugh out with their listeners in cultural commentary, personal stories, and polarising reviews. This approach has struck a chord with the audience seeking more than scores and stats.

Before achieving national prominence, her industry-leading efforts at 101 ESPN underscore her capability to succeed in local markets. Whether breaking down trade news, chronicling championship runs, or defending the St. Louis outpost of a Canadian-based coffee shop to local trolls, Smallmon always showed that she could meet listeners on their level.

Interviews with Sports Icons

Michelle has conducted some of the biggest sports names when she’s not hosting, including Tom Brady and LeBron James. Her yappily-rambling-yet-lovable talk show-esque manner and inquisitive questions make her interviews lively. Sports fans have grown to appreciate her ability to find the many sides to the stories of well-known athletes.

Community Service and Philanthropy

Michelle’s work goes way beyond the airwaves. A patron of the St. Louis, Mo. community, McCaskill has devoted time to multiple charitable causes. Above all, she will run the New York City Marathon for the V Foundation, a cancer research group.

Her work for organizations such as The Little Bit Foundation, which is dedicated to breaking down the barriers to education, and The Young Professionals for the St. Louis Zoo demonstrates her commitment to giving back. Smallmon’s dedication to using her platform for good makes her a positive influence on young professionals.

Awards and Achievements

These are superhumans – Michelle certainly is one. Reaching the pinnacle at 101 ESPN and transitioning so smoothly from the local level to the national with ESPN Radio, her career is an example for others to follow. Her legacy is felt in her work and the mould she has shattered for women in sports media.

In addition to countless other accolades, fans and peers have long recognized her for the warmth and earnestness she brings to a historically tough-as-nails field.

Personal Life

Michelle is a public figure but keeps certain aspects of her personal life on the DL. Now single, she still focuses on her career and projects that make her happy. Her Instagram (@msmallmon) is a refreshing insight into her world. It includes snippets of her love for sport, travel, and engaging with her audience.

Why Michelle Smallmon’s Story Should Matter to Sports Aficionados

Michelle Smallmon’s journey to success isn’t just an inspirational tale for emerging news reporters. It’s a rare example of sheer grit, talent and authenticity connecting with audiences. She’s evidence that however much the sports media world might prize authority and tight-laced professionalism, relatability and informedness can also thrive.

To fans, Michelle is a host who really “gets it” — she’s breaking down plays and stats but still celebrating the sports culture and the stories that unite people.

Learn More Beyond The Radio

Do you want to keep up with Michelle’s work and thoughts? Listen to Unsportsmanlike on ESPN Radio. And if her dedication to giving back emboldens you, see how you can lend a hand locally in your community and donate to the V Foundation and other important causes she champions.

Michelle Smallmon isn’t just a sports broadcaster — she’s a force of nature, proving that passion always rises to the top.