Michelle Smallmon is a well-known name in the world of sports broadcasting. She has built her career with hard work, talent, and a deep love for sports. Over the years, she has become a trusted voice on ESPN Radio and other platforms, where fans admire her insightful analysis and engaging style. While many people know her voice from the radio, there’s much more to Michelle’s journey from her Midwestern roots to her national recognition.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Michelle Smallmon
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1986
- Current Age (2025): 38 years old
- Birthplace: Belleville, Illinois, USA
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches
- Weight: Around 65 kg
- Father’s Name: Tony Smallmon
- Mother’s Name: Robin Smallmon
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Brown
Bio
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Smallmon |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1986 |
| Age (2025) | 38 years old |
| Birthplace | Belleville, Illinois, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | 65 kg (approx.) |
| Father’s Name | Tony Smallmon |
| Mother’s Name | Robin Smallmon |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
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Early Life of Michelle Smallmon
Michelle was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois, a city near St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in a supportive family, she was encouraged to pursue her interests from an early age. Her father, Tony Smallmon, worked in real estate, while her mother, Robin, supported the household.
Belleville might not be a big city, but it played a big role in shaping Michelle’s values. Life in the Midwest taught her the importance of hard work, humility, and perseverance traits that later became her strength in a cutthroat media industry.
From childhood, Michelle was drawn to sports. She grew up cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, which sparked her passion for sports journalism. This passion grew stronger during her school years when she combined her love for writing with her interest in athletics.
Education
Michelle attended high school in Belleville, where she actively participated in sports and writing activities. Her passion for storytelling and sports naturally led her to pursue journalism in higher education.
She enrolled at the University of Illinois, where she graduated in 2008 with a degree in broadcast journalism. During her university years, she also played women’s volleyball, which gave her a firsthand understanding of teamwork, discipline, and the athletic mindset.
In addition to academics, she looked up to mentors like Frank Cusumano and Rene Knott, respected sportscasters who guided her toward her career path. She also gained valuable early experience by working as an assistant at KSDK in St. Louis, where she learned the basics of media production.
Physical Attributes
Michelle stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall and maintains a healthy weight of around 65 kg. Her active lifestyle, which includes her involvement in sports, reflects in her fitness. With brown hair and striking black eyes, Michelle’s appearance complements her strong presence as a broadcaster.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Michelle Smallmon’s net worth is estimated at $1–2 million. Most of her income comes from her career in broadcasting, particularly her work with ESPN Radio. Reports suggest that her annual salary is around $100,000, although this can vary depending on roles, appearances, and other opportunities.
Her steady rise in the industry, combined with her experience and national recognition, has secured her financial success. Beyond money, though, Michelle measures her success by the impact she has made in sports media.
Career
Michelle’s career path is an inspiring example of persistence. She started out writing and assisting at KSDK in St. Louis, where she developed essential media skills. Her big breakthrough came when she joined 101 ESPN in St. Louis in 2015.
At 101 ESPN, she worked on shows like The Fast Lane and Karraker & Smallmon. These roles helped her develop her voice as more than just a producer—she became a personality who offered smart commentary, not just background work.
Her talent eventually led her to ESPN Radio’s national network, where she co-hosted flagship morning shows and reached a broader audience. Alongside radio, she also took on hosting duties for the St. Louis Battlehawks, an XFL football team, where she brought live sports closer to fans.
Michelle Smallmon Age
Michelle was born on August 13, 1986, which makes her 38 years old in 2025. However, her story goes beyond just numbers. In a media environment that often emphasizes youth especially for women Michelle stands as proof that talent, experience, and authenticity matter far more than age. She has continued to thrive in her 30s, showing confidence and maturity that only time can bring.
Belleville to Big Time: Midwestern Start
Michelle’s journey from Belleville, Illinois, to national sports radio is a story of determination. Belleville may not be a big city like New York or Los Angeles, but it gave Michelle the grounding she needed.
Her small-town values—hard work, honesty, and resilience prepared her to compete on bigger stages. She took these qualities with her to college, to 101 ESPN, and later to ESPN’s national network.
Climbing the ESPN Ladder With Sneakers On
When Michelle began at 101 ESPN as an intern, she didn’t just fetch coffee or file papers she got directly involved in production, research, editing, and eventually live broadcasting.
She quickly showed that she wasn’t just a supporting figure; she was a voice worth listening to. By her mid-20s, she was already establishing herself as a fresh perspective in sports media.
Working in a male-dominated industry, Michelle broke stereotypes by bringing depth and analysis rather than fitting into traditional roles assigned to women in sports. Her partnership with Randy Karraker on Karraker & Smallmon turned into one of St. Louis’s most beloved sports programs.
The Move to ESPN New York and Back Again
After her success in St. Louis, Michelle took a bold step by moving to New York City to join ESPN’s national radio team. This was a huge leap, both personally and professionally.
New York’s media environment is fast-paced and competitive, but Michelle thrived. She polished her style, gained exposure to national audiences, and proved she could hold her own among the industry’s best.
Eventually, though, she chose to return to St. Louis. This was not a step back but a deliberate choice to stay true to her roots and authenticity. It showed that for Michelle, success isn’t about location it’s about staying genuine and passionate.
Age, Media Standards, and Michelle Smallmon
In the broadcasting world, age can often be a double standard. Men are celebrated as “experienced” in their 40s and 50s, while women are sometimes unfairly judged.
Michelle has defied this outdated mindset. She embraces her 30s with confidence, showing that her experience only makes her better. Instead of chasing trends or trying to appear younger, she focuses on substance—delivering thoughtful commentary and building real connections with her audience.
A Modern Voice with Old-School Heart
What sets Michelle apart from many sports broadcasters is her style. She doesn’t rely on shouting matches, clickbait, or viral hot takes. Instead, she brings calm, intelligent, and honest conversations to the table.
Her fans appreciate that she respects the audience’s intelligence. She offers perspective, not just noise. While she’s modern in her use of podcasts and national radio, she carries an old-school respect for journalistic integrity. This balance makes her relatable to a wide audience from young college listeners to older fans who value authenticity.
Podcasting, Perspective, and the Next Evolution
Michelle has successfully expanded into podcasting, a medium that allows her to connect with audiences in a more personal way. Shows like Small Talk and Unsportsmanlike showcase her ability to go beyond scores and stats, diving into the culture and meaning of sports.
Podcasting also allows her to highlight her personality more freely, mixing professional insights with real-world experiences. This evolution shows her adaptability and her willingness to grow with changing media trends. At 38, she brings a depth of perspective that makes her voice stand out in today’s crowded sports media landscape.
Final Word
Michelle Smallmon’s journey is more than just the story of a sports broadcaster. It’s the story of a Midwestern woman who turned her passion into a career, who broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, and who continues to inspire with her authenticity.
At 38, she proves that success in media isn’t about age or appearance it’s about talent, persistence, and staying true to yourself. From Belleville to ESPN, from radio to podcasts, Michelle has shown that hard work and integrity still matter.
FAQ’s
Is Michelle Smallmon married?
No, Michelle Smallmon is not married. She has kept her personal and relationship life private.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s age?
Michelle Smallmon was born on August 13, 1986, which makes her 38 years old in 2025.
How tall is Michelle Smallmon?
She is 5 feet 7 inches tall and maintains an active lifestyle with a healthy weight of around 65 kg.
What is Michelle Smallmon’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1–2 million, with most of her income coming from ESPN Radio and broadcasting roles.
Where is Michelle Smallmon from?
Michelle is from Belleville, Illinois, a city near St. Louis, where she first developed her love for sports and broadcasting.
