DENVER (AP) When the 19-year-old woman accusing Kobe Bryant of rape walks into court on Wednesday, it will be the first time she has seen the NBA star since their encounter last June.

Bryant, 25, has said the two had consensual sex in his room at a Vail-area resort where the woman worked. The Los Angeles Lakers star faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation if convicted of felony sexual assault.

The woman will testify behind closed doors at state District Court in Eagle, in response to a subpoena issued by Bryant's attorneys. They want to convince the judge that her sexual history is relevant and should be introduced as evidence.

They have said she had multiple sexual partners before her encounter with Bryant and possibly another partner hours afterward. The defense contends her injuries could have been caused by another sexual partner.

The woman's attorney, John Clune, did not return a message left Monday seeking comment.

For other accusers, the anticipation of testifying under such circumstances has led to weeks of nightmares and difficulty sleeping and eating, said Karen Steinhauser, a former prosecutor who worked with many victims.

``To be talking about these things in front of perhaps other witnesses ... and being asked about some of the most private details of your life in front of the person (that) you've alleged sexually assaulted you has to be extraordinarily difficult,'' she said.

Bruce Carey, a former prosecutor in the judicial district where Bryant is charged, said little preparation should be required for a witness who tells the truth.

``If you lived through something, you shouldn't have to think too hard to remember it,'' he said.