Sacramento State leftfielder Lesley Mayhorn always has a smile on her face.

Her main focus, however, is making sure others around her are having just as much fun as she is.

The Harlem Diamonds, an all-African-American women’s softball team who drafted the Hornet senior earlier this month, hope Mayhorn can bring that exuberance to the professional ranks.

“I don’t think there’s ever a dull moment with Lesley around,” roommate and catcher Erin Coyne said.

“I love to make people laugh, so doing it while playing the sport I love, that’s icing on the cake,” Mayhorn said. “That’s my philosophy, to make sure myself and the people around me are having fun.”

The Diamonds are a five-player softball team and entertainment show. They will travel the United States this summer, playing benefit games against local all-star teams for various charities.

Mayhorn plans to attend the Diamonds’ June tryouts, where being cut is a possibility. Beginning players make up to $2,500 a month.

The athletes on the team will spread a drug-free message and urge youngsters to stay in school.

“What a neat concept to have a team go around and spread that message,” Sac State coach Kathy Strahan said. “When I heard what this team was about, I thought ‘That’s Lesley.'”

Mayhorn, a criminal justice major graduating this spring, said her goal is to make a positive impact on young people’s lives as a counselor or high school teacher.

“If I can put a smile on someone’s face for five minutes so they don’t have to worry about other things, then it’s worth it,” Mayhorn said. “This is my calling.”

According to Diamonds founder Dale Moss, athletes drafted by the team were chosen not only because of on-field accomplishments, but also demeanor and recommendations from coaches.

“First and foremost, we have to look for a person who shows up with a positive attitude each and every day,” Moss said. “If you’re the type of person who’s afraid to put your personality out there and you’re negative, this isn’t for you.”

In the dugout, Mayhorn is the consummate cheerleader — always up, always leading team cheers tailored to each individual hitter.

“I’m more confident when I’m with her because she just exudes (confidence),” said Jessica Rojo, Mayhorn’s co-captain on the Hornets. “I’ve always known her as a strong woman; she has no self-doubt nor does she doubt others.”

Last season Mayhorn was a second-team all-Conference selection as she started 57 games in leftfield and led the club in steals with nine and outfield assists with six. The nine steals are the sixth best single-season total in Hornet Div. I history.

In the classroom last fall, Mayhorn posted a 3.28 grade point average while balancing school, practice and a mentoring program.

“If there’s a poster child for someone who got the most out of themselves through education and athletics,” Strahan said, “it’s Lesley Mayhorn.

“She’s been fun to watch grow up.”