Luke Bryan Surprises California Elementary Coach on ‘Good Morning America’

Luke Bryan gave an elementary school coach the surprise of a lifetime on Good Morning America last week. Matthew Bailey is a coach for a non-profit organization called Playworks at Manzanita Community Elementary in Oakland, California, where he attended school as a child. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey, who has appeared on GMA before, was at risk of losing his job. That all changed when he appeared on the show on Friday, September 11 and was gifted $65,000 from the show and Dick’s Sporting Goods, which will help him to continue working with children at the school.

In addition to receiving the donation, the GMA hosts surprised Bailey with one of his favorite country stars, Luke Bryan. And while Bailey is a fan of the singer, Bryan revealed that he has been following the coach’s story as well.

“Every morning, my wife and I, we watch GMA as we’re getting the kids going, and I remember seeing your story originally and to find out you’re a fan of mine is amazing,” he told Bailey.

Bryan continued, thanking Bailey for the work he does in his community.

“Thank you so much for all your contributions to these kids, it’s so important,” he says. “I had teachers and coaches that still have lasting advice and life lessons burned into my brain. Everybody at GMA and ABC, we’re just so glad we can help you continue to spread so much positivity to these children out there. I’m so glad I got to meet you.”

Bailey told Bryan that meeting him was a “dream come true,” and before the segment ended, Bryan invited Bailey to come join him at a show once he gets back to touring.

“I don’t know when I’m going to tour again, but whenever it’s safe and we start back having shows one of these days and I’m out west, I’d love to get you out to a show and meet you personally,”said Bryan.

 In addition to coaching students through Playworks, Bailey works to strengthen students’ conflict resolution skills, leadership skills, and teaches them meditation practices.