Michelle Smallmon: From St. Louis Sports Roots to ESPN Radio Stardom
Michelle Smallmon is a name that has become increasingly prominent in the world of sports broadcasting. Known for her energetic presence, sharp sports insights, and ability to connect with audiences, she has carved out a remarkable journey from local radio in St. Louis to a national platform at ESPN Radio. As a co-host of the morning show Unsportsmanlike alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty, Smallmon is proving that perseverance, passion, and preparation can propel anyone to the top levels of sports media.
This article explores her journey in detail — from her early life and education to her career milestones, community work, and influence on future generations of sports broadcasters.
Early Life and Education
St. Louis Roots
Michelle Smallmon grew up in the Metro East area of Illinois, a region deeply tied to the St. Louis sports community. Surrounded by the culture of baseball, football, and hockey, she developed a love for sports at a young age. That early passion shaped her career goals and gave her an authentic connection to fans who shared her enthusiasm.
University of Illinois
Smallmon pursued her education at the University of Illinois, where she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism. This academic foundation provided her with the technical knowledge and communication skills needed to succeed in the highly competitive media industry. While at university, she gained experience through internships and student media roles that introduced her to the world of sports journalism.
Early Career and Behind-the-Scenes Work
ESPN in Bristol
Michelle’s first major step into the professional sports media world was behind the scenes at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. She worked as a producer, gaining hands-on experience in content planning, editing, and production workflows. This time was crucial for building her understanding of how national sports media operates. Smallmon has often credited this period for giving her the technical skills and confidence that later made her an effective on-air personality.
Developing Her Voice
While working as a producer, Smallmon learned the rhythm of sports talk, the importance of timing, and how to build engaging segments. She also observed top hosts in action, gradually preparing herself to step in front of the microphone. This behind-the-scenes experience would later become one of her greatest strengths as she transitioned to on-air hosting.
Rise to Prominence in St. Louis Sports Radio
101 ESPN Beginnings
In 2009, Smallmon returned to her hometown market and joined 101 ESPN (WXOS) in St. Louis as a producer and on-air contributor. She quickly earned a reputation as a hard worker with sharp instincts and a relatable personality. From 2009 to 2015, she steadily grew her profile, building relationships with local athletes, coaches, and fans.
Karraker & Smallmon
Her big breakthrough came in 2020 when she became the co-host of the morning show Karraker & Smallmon. This was a historic moment: she became the first woman to have her name featured in a show title in 101 ESPN’s history. The show quickly became one of the station’s most popular programs, thanks to her engaging style, humor, and deep knowledge of sports.
Departure in 2022
In August 2022, Smallmon announced that she would be leaving 101 ESPN. Her final episode aired on September 2, 2022. It marked the end of a significant era in St. Louis sports radio, with many listeners praising her for breaking barriers and elevating the conversation around local sports.
National Breakthrough at ESPN Radio
Joining Unsportsmanlike
After leaving 101 ESPN, Smallmon rejoined ESPN in Bristol and stepped into a new chapter of her career. She became a co-host of the national morning show Unsportsmanlike alongside Evan Cohen and Chris Canty. The show airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. Eastern, giving her a massive national audience and placing her among the top voices in sports talk radio.
Strengths as a Host
Her years of behind-the-scenes production experience have given her a unique edge as a host. She can craft compelling segments, guide discussions seamlessly, and balance lighthearted entertainment with serious sports analysis. Her chemistry with her co-hosts has quickly made Unsportsmanlike a standout program in ESPN Radio’s lineup.
Broader Involvement in St. Louis Sports
Battlehawks and St. Louis City SC
Despite moving to a national stage, Smallmon has remained closely connected to her hometown sports scene. She has served as an in-game host for the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks and created video features for the MLS team St. Louis City SC. These roles have kept her visible in the St. Louis sports community and allowed her to celebrate the city’s growing sports landscape.
Reflecting on the Rams’ Departure
Smallmon has spoken openly about her disappointment when the NFL’s St. Louis Rams relocated to Los Angeles. Like many local fans, she felt the loss deeply. Her honest perspective on the situation resonated with listeners who appreciated her passion for defending her hometown’s sports legacy.
Personal Life and Community Work
Charitable Involvement
Michelle Smallmon has shown a strong commitment to giving back to her community. She has served on the boards of The Young Professionals for the St. Louis Zoo and The Little Bit Foundation, which provides support to under-resourced schoolchildren. Her work with these organizations highlights her dedication to making a positive impact beyond sports media.
Marathon Fundraising
In addition to her broadcasting duties, Smallmon is preparing to run in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. She is using the event as an opportunity to raise money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, showing her commitment to causes that matter to her personally.
Staying Connected to St. Louis
Even as she has achieved national fame, Smallmon continues to proudly embrace her St. Louis roots. She often references her hometown on-air, celebrates the local sports teams, and maintains close ties to the community that helped shape her career.
Advocacy for Women in Sports Media
Mentorship and Advice
Michelle Smallmon has become an outspoken advocate for women aspiring to work in sports media. She emphasizes that her success came not from playing professional or collegiate sports, but from relentless hard work and dedication. She encourages young women to enter the field with confidence, even if they don’t fit traditional molds.
Breaking Barriers
By becoming the first woman to co-host a named show on 101 ESPN and then rising to a national hosting role at ESPN Radio, Smallmon has helped break gender barriers in sports talk radio, a field traditionally dominated by men. Her achievements continue to inspire the next generation of women broadcasters.
Legacy and Future
Michelle Smallmon’s career represents a blend of talent, determination, and authenticity. From producing content behind the scenes at ESPN to becoming a beloved voice on St. Louis radio, and now co-hosting a flagship national morning show, her journey is proof that perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
