Final answer:
Coleman Griffith founded the first sport psychology research laboratory at the University of Illinois, establishing the field in academia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coleman Griffith established the first research laboratory in sport psychology at the University of Illinois. This pioneering facility was the initial step toward the academic acknowledgment and growth of the field of sport psychology. It helped to set the precedent for other universities to incorporate sport psychology into their academic programs. Griffith's work paved the way for future research in the field, emphasizing the importance of mental factors in athletic performance and the potential for psychological techniques to enhance it.