Richmond, Va. - Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner Thomas E. Yeager today announced that the University of Delaware, Drexel University, Hofstra University and Towson University will become CAA members effective July 1, 2001. The quartet will partner with George Mason University, James Madison University, UNC Wilmington, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University and the College of William & Mary to form a 10-team conference.    "We are thrilled to be able to expedite the process and incorporate these schools sooner than originally announced," noted Yeager. "The CAA is looking forward to their contributions and we are excited about the future of the conference as this group moves forward."    Due to the timing of this transition, the four newcomers, who are all currently members of the America East Conference, will remain as associate members and compete in America East in the fall in men's and women's soccer, field hockey and volleyball. (As previously agreed, Delaware and Hofstra will compete in CAA volleyball in the fall of 2001). With their arrival, the CAA will add championships in men's lacrosse and softball in the spring of 2002, bringing the total number of sports sponsored by the conference to 20.    Initially, it was announced at a press conference on December 13, 2000, that the four schools would be joining the CAA for the 2003-2004 academic year. As a result of ongoing discussions between the two conferences, the transition plans accelerated.    Editor's note: Hofstra and Drexel sponsor varsity wrestling, and currently compete in the East Coast Wrestling Association.