Hazel Konkel serves as an Athletic Trainer at the University of Tennessee Southern, where she provides comprehensive care for Firehawks student-athletes, including injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. Konkel is passionate about fostering a collaborative environment with coaches and staff to reduce injury risk and support peak athletic performance.
Konkel earned both her Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science and her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Cumberland University. She is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT), equipped with a diverse clinical background across multiple collegiate athletic programs.
During her professional preparation, Konkel completed clinical rotations with Illinois State University football, Lipscomb University track & field and volleyball, and Cumberland University softball, men’s basketball, and men’s soccer. These experiences provided her with a well-rounded foundation in treating and supporting student-athletes across a wide range of sports.
A native of DuBois, Illinois, and a graduate of Nashville Community High School, Konkel was a highly accomplished student-athlete at Cumberland University, where she was a four-year starter on the volleyball team. One of the most decorated players in program history, she earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors in 2024 and was a four-time First Team All-Mid-South Conference selection. She also garnered AVCA All-Region recognition all four years and was named the Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year in 2022.
Over her collegiate career, Konkel recorded 1,219 kills with a .354 hitting percentage and totaled 1,583.5 points. Defensively, she tallied 534 total blocks, establishing herself as one of the most dominant front-row players in the conference.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Konkel excelled in the classroom, earning NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors and Mid-South Conference Academic All-Conference recognition each of the past three years. She was also named the 2025–26 recipient of the Lindsey Donnell Award, presented annually to a Cumberland student-athlete who demonstrates excellence both academically and athletically. She was further recognized for her leadership and character as a member of the Mid-South Conference Champions of Character Team.
Inspired by the athletic trainers who supported her throughout her playing career, Konkel brings a student-athlete-centered approach to her profession. She is committed to helping athletes overcome injuries, stay healthy, and succeed both in competition and beyond.
