As pointed out, she participated in a number of sports which requires socialization with others. It's not like swimming where you are on your own- it requires team work.
My impression of her was that she was a bright little girl in the movie. So bright that in the last scene where they were talking about her getting a CI the mom said no. Then she expressed her confusion, and the mom said "we made the decision together". Even though she clearly wanted it, she took the clue from her mom not to push it at that time.
I think her personality plays a big part in her success.
