To become the best, it helps to learn from the best. That's why American Cheerleader Magazine's former cover girl, University of Florida cheer captain Lillian Giunta, decided to pay it forward by sharing her tips and tricks for staying on top of her game. Check out her checklist for cheerleading success below!

1. Always show up early.

I like to be early to all my practices, so I can stretch and get in the zone. I don't like to be rushed or late -- it really affects my mental prep before we get started and it can cause unproductive practices.

2. Double-check. Triple-check. 

When hitting the road for an away game, going to an appearance, or just heading to practice, it's always important to double- and triple-check that you have everything you need -- poms, shoes, socks, the correct uniform, and anything else necessary! Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way...

3. Social media superstar 

As a cheerleader, I am an ambassador for my university. It is important that with this role comes the responsibility to always be aware and cautious of my photos and posts. Though it is very hard, it's also important to not trash talk any rival schools!

4. Time management is key

With a schedule filled with practices, games, appearances, and workouts, I have found that managing my time is the most challenging part. School comes first, and that is clear. Therefore, I learned early on how to plan my homework and outside involvement around my cheer commitments.

5. Practice outside of practice

Brushing up on skills outside of practice will ensure that your practice time is efficient, impactful, and productive. Coming from a competitive background, I had to adjust my cheer skills to fit the sideline. I like to review dances and cheers that I struggle with individually, so that I know I can pull my own weight within the team. 

6. You're only as strong as your weakest cheerleader

Instead of excelling in your own individual skills, it is important to focus on the overall skill set of the team as a whole so that everyone can improve at the same pace. If I can do my stunt perfectly, I like to go around to make sure everyone else is successful, too!

7. Always ask for help 

If you struggle on a certain skill, your teammates are your biggest asset! Know when the best time is to ask for help. When the opportunity arises, help others as well. When I first started cheering, my teammates could relate to my struggles and help make those weaknesses my strengths!

8. Know your sports knowledge 

Whether it's simply knowing the difference between offense or defense or details of the specific sport you are cheering for, it's always important to be informed about the sport you are cheering for! I love watching sports to know about our competition and how they do each week as well.

9. Have fun--duh!

While formations, skills, and performances are big aspects, cheerleading is supposed to be fun. It's easy for me to get caught up in the stress of aiming for perfection. I have to take a step back and remember that cheer is fun. That should be the No. 1 priority!

10. Know your purpose

There's more to being a cheerleader than what can be performed at a game. Sometimes, the activities that we partake in outside of practices and games make the most impact on the Gator Nation. Cheerleading will have a lasting impact on the rest of my life because of these valuable lessons.